Description
This Ultimate Creamy Southern Cheese Grits recipe delivers a rich and velvety texture, blending stone-ground grits with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Slow-simmered to tender perfection, these grits make a comforting and hearty side dish perfect for breakfast or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Base
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup stone ground grits (not instant)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Cheese Blend
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Boil Water and Salt: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a rolling boil to prepare the base for the grits.
- Add Grits Gradually: Slowly whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to the boiling water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once combined, reduce the heat to low to begin cooking gently.
- Simmer Grits: Cover the saucepan and let the grits simmer gently. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, cooking for 25 to 30 minutes until the grits are tender and have absorbed most of the water.
- Incorporate Cream and Butter: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 4 tablespoons unsalted butter into the cooked grits until both have melted and are fully incorporated, enriching the texture.
- Add Cheeses: Remove the pan from heat. Mix in 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Season and Serve: Finish by seasoning with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Serve the creamy cheese grits immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for the best texture; instant grits will not deliver the same creamy consistency.
- Stirring frequently during simmering helps prevent lumps and sticking at the bottom of the pan.
- Feel free to adjust the cheese types or quantity to suit your taste preference.
- Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give a nice subtle heat if desired.
- This dish pairs excellently with eggs, bacon, or fried chicken for a classic Southern meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Southern cheese grits, creamy grits, stone ground grits, comfort food, cheesy side dish
