The Best Cheesy Fried Grit Cakes Recipe That’ll Make You Smile

These cheesy fried grit cakes represent pure Southern comfort that reinvents humble ingredients into crispy, golden delights.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this rustic dish as a testament to culinary creativity and resourcefulness.

Rich, creamy grits get a delectable upgrade when reinvented into crisp, irresistible cakes with a melted cheese heart.

The magic happens when traditional breakfast staples meet innovative cooking techniques, creating a versatile side dish that surprises and satisfies.

Each bite promises a perfect contrast between a crunchy exterior and a smooth, velvety interior that melts in your mouth.

Regional traditions merge with contemporary cooking styles to elevate this classic comfort food into something truly memorable.

Crisp edges, molten cheese, and a golden-brown surface await those ready to experience comfort food at its finest.

Cheesy Fried Grit Cakes That Hit the Spot

• Transform Comfort Food: These cheesy fried grit cakes elevate traditional Southern cuisine by combining creamy, rich grits with a crispy, golden exterior that delivers a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Quick and Simple Technique: The recipe uses straightforward steps like chilling, coating, and frying, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels without requiring advanced culinary techniques.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or game day snack, these grit cakes offer a crowd-pleasing option that brings together tangy sharp cheddar, zesty Creole seasoning, and irresistible crispy texture that keeps people coming back for more.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Cooks can easily swap cheeses, adjust seasoning, or experiment with dipping sauces to create unique variations that suit personal taste preferences and make the dish their own signature creation.

Ingredients for Fried Grit Cakes

• Instant Grits: Creamy base for the cakes, quick-cooking variety works best.
• Milk: Provides rich, smooth texture for grits.
• Water: Helps achieve perfect grits consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the base.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds deep, tangy flavor to the grits.
• Black Pepper: Brings subtle heat and depth to the mixture.

• Eggs, Milk: Create binding liquid for breading process.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy, light exterior coating.
• Creole Seasoning: Adds zesty, spicy flavor to breading.
• Cooking Oil: Enables golden, crispy frying of grit cakes.

Frying Steps for Grit Cakes

Step 1: Craft Creamy Grits Base

• Combine milk
• Water
• Salt

• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper

Stir until cheese melts completely and blends seamlessly.

Step 2: Create Solid Grit Foundation

Pour steaming grit mixture into rectangular baking pan. Smooth surface with spatula. Refrigerate for minimum three hours until mixture becomes firm and sliceable.

Step 3: Shape Delectable Rounds

Once chilled, use circular cookie cutter to carve out individual grit medallions. Prepare two separate shallow dishes for coating process.

Step 4: Prepare Crispy Coating Station

First dish: Whisk together

• Eggs
• Milk

Second dish: Mix

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Creole seasoning

Dunk each grit round first in egg mixture, then generously coat with seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat coating for extra crunch.

Step 5: Transform Into Golden Delights

Heat vegetable oil in large skillet until shimmering. Carefully place breaded grit rounds into hot oil. Fry each side until achieving gorgeous golden-brown exterior, approximately two to three minutes per side.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Transfer crispy grit rounds onto paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Allow slight cooling before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Grit Cake Tips for Crunchy Edges

• Chill Thoroughly: Ensure grits are completely set and cold before cutting to maintain their shape during frying.
• Breadcrumb Technique: Double-dip grit cakes in egg and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy, golden exterior that locks in cheesy goodness.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain medium heat around 350°F to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning the coating.
• Drain Excess Oil: Let fried grit cakes rest on paper towels to remove extra oil and keep the crispy texture intact.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy these cheesy grit cakes right after frying for the ultimate crisp-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside experience.

Store and Heat Leftover Grit Cakes

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cheesy fried grit cakes in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place grit cakes on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through. This method helps restore the original crunchiness.
• Microwave Option: While not ideal, you can quickly reheat grit cakes for 30-45 seconds. Note that microwaving might soften the crispy exterior, so the oven method is preferred for maintaining texture.

Dishes That Pair Well with Grit Cakes

• Pair with Southern Comfort Sips: Complement these crispy grit cakes with a cold glass of sweet tea or a refreshing bourbon cocktail that echoes the Southern roots of this dish.
• Match with Tangy Dipping Companions: Create a zesty remoulade sauce or a bright salsa verde to cut through the richness of the cheesy, fried goodness, adding a pop of flavor that makes each bite sing.
• Balance with Fresh Greens: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, providing a peppery contrast to the creamy, crunchy grit cakes and helping to lighten the overall meal.
• Complete with Protein Punch: Top with a perfectly poached egg or serve with crispy bacon to add an extra layer of indulgence and create a more substantial breakfast or brunch experience.

Fried Grit Cake Ideas to Explore

• Spicy Southern Kick: Replace Creole seasoning with cayenne pepper and add diced jalapeños to the grits for an extra heat boost. Serve with homemade hot sauce for additional zest.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Mix in crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh oregano into the grits. Coat with Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and serve alongside tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Bacon and Cheddar Infusion: Fold crispy chopped bacon bits into the grits before chilling. Use smoked cheddar cheese for deeper flavor complexity. Garnish with chives for added freshness.
• Vegetarian Wellness Option: Substitute milk with vegetable broth and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. Add roasted bell peppers and spinach to increase nutritional value. Coat with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a health-conscious alternative.

Cheesy Fried Grit Cakes Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern charm meets crispy indulgence in these cheesy fried grit cakes. Golden-brown edges and creamy centers make this dish a delightful comfort classic you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup instant grits
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups water
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

• ¼ teaspoon (¼ tsp) salt
• ½ teaspoon (½ tsp) black pepper
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) Creole seasoning

Coating and Frying:

• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) milk (for egg wash)
• Oil for frying (enough to cover ½ inch in your pan)

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Instructions

1. Craft a creamy grits base by simmering liquid ingredients in a large saucepan, creating a smooth foundation for the dish.
2. Gradually incorporate shredded sharp cheddar and freshly ground black pepper into the hot grits, stirring until the cheese melts completely and integrates smoothly.
3. Pour the velvety grits mixture into a flat baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer for chilling.
4. Refrigerate the grits for several hours until the mixture becomes completely solid and can be easily cut into shapes.
5. Prepare a two-stage coating station with whisked eggs and seasoned Panko breadcrumbs for creating a crispy exterior.
6. Carefully cut the chilled grits into circular shapes using a round cookie cutter or knife.
7. Dredge each grit cake first through the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then generously coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
8. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process to create an extra-crispy, golden exterior.
9. Heat neutral cooking oil in a heavy skillet until it reaches the perfect frying temperature.
10. Gently place the breaded grit cakes into the hot oil, allowing them to transform into crispy, golden-brown delicacies.
11. Fry each side until they develop a rich, crunchy exterior, typically 2-3 minutes per side.
12. Remove the fried grit cakes and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
13. Serve immediately while the exterior remains crisp and the interior stays creamy and warm.

Notes

• Meal Prep Magic: Chilling the grits for at least 3 hours allows them to set perfectly, creating a sturdy base for crispy, golden-brown grit cakes.
• Cheese Boost: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor that elevates the creamy texture of the grits.
• Crispy Coating Trick: Double-dipping in egg wash and seasoned Panko breadcrumbs ensures an extra crunchy, flavorful exterior.
• Oil Temperature Tip: Use medium heat to achieve an even, golden-brown crust without burning the delicate grit cakes.
• Serving Suggestion: Drain fried grit cakes on paper towels to remove excess oil, maintaining their crisp texture.
• Quick Clean-up: Use a round cookie cutter for uniform grit cakes that cook evenly and look professionally prepared.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg