The Perfect Creamy Cheese Grits Recipe: Southern Comfort Magic

Southern kitchens buzz with the magic of creamy cheese grits that promise pure comfort in every spoonful.

These silky, rich grits blend Southern tradition with irresistible cheesy goodness.

Corn’s humble essence meets sharp cheddar’s bold flavor, creating a side dish that sings with warmth and depth.

Luxurious and smooth, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a remarkable culinary experience.

Weeknight dinners and weekend brunches welcome this hearty southern classic with open arms.

Steaming hot and generously cheesy, these grits will make you fall in love with Southern cooking all over again.

Dive into this delectable recipe and savor every creamy, cheesy bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Creamy Cheese Grits

• Water, Half and Half: Create a silky, luxurious foundation that ensures smooth, velvety texture and rich depth of flavor for the grits.

• Quick Grits, Salt: Transform the liquid into a creamy, comforting dish while enhancing the overall taste profile with a perfect seasoning balance.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Unsalted Butter, Pepper: Melt these ingredients into the grits for an indulgent, tangy, and creamy finish that adds complexity and richness, with freshly ground pepper providing a subtle, warm kick to elevate the entire dish.

Cooking Tools for Southern Grits

• Medium-sized Pot: Essential for cooking and combining ingredients evenly.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly incorporating grits and preventing lumps.
• Measuring Cups: Needed for accurate liquid and ingredient measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and preventing grits from sticking.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for any cheese or butter preparation.

Preparation Instructions for Creamy Grits

• Liquid Foundation

Gather a medium pot and combine water, half and half, and salt. Heat until bubbling, ensuring salt completely dissolves.

• Grit Incorporation

Slowly pour quick grits into boiling liquid, whisking constantly to prevent lumpy texture. Keep stirring as mixture returns to a boil.

• Gentle Cooking

Lower heat, cover pot, and let grits simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking for 5-7 minutes.

• Cheese Magic

Remove pot from heat. Fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses along with butter. Mix until silky smooth and creamy.

• Final Touch

Season with freshly ground pepper. Taste and adjust saltiness if needed. Cheeses will add natural saltiness to the dish.

• Serving

Plate immediately while warm. The grits will naturally thicken as they cool, so enjoy the luxurious texture right away.

Cheese & Spice Add-Ins for Grits

• Kitchen Wisdom: Grit-Making Genius
• Cheese Combo Magic: Experiment with different cheese blends like smoked gouda, fontina, or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles that transform classic grits into gourmet experiences.
• Liquid Love Hack: Replace half the water with chicken broth or vegetable stock to add deeper, richer flavor dimensions that elevate the entire dish's taste complexity.
• Texture Triumph: For extra-creamy results, let grits rest covered for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help them absorb remaining moisture and become silkier.
• Protein Power-Up: Fold in crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or sautéed shrimp to turn these grits from simple side dish into a hearty main course that satisfies serious hunger.
• Southern Style Twist: Top finished grits with green onions, chopped chives, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a gorgeous presentation that adds both visual appeal and fresh flavor notes.

Serving Grits with Breakfast or Dinner

• Breakfast Bliss: Top these creamy grits with a perfectly fried egg for a luxurious morning meal that melts in your mouth.
• Protein Power Station: Add crispy bacon bits or diced ham to transform the grits into a hearty, protein-packed dish that satisfies serious hunger.
• Southern Comfort Upgrade: Pair the grits with sautéed shrimp or pulled barbecue chicken for a classic Southern-style main course that celebrates comfort food.
• Brunch Bonanza: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to create a well-rounded brunch plate that impresses guests with minimal effort.

Grit Storage & Reheat Instructions

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover grits in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining their creamy texture when properly sealed.
• Smooth Reheating Technique: Bring cold grits back to life by adding a splash of milk or water while gently warming them in a saucepan. Stir consistently to restore the original creamy consistency and prevent scorching.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Transfer cooled grits to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. These cheesy delights can be frozen up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Strategic Meal Companion: Grits work wonderfully as a make-ahead side dish. Prepare a larger batch earlier in the week and use as a quick accompaniment to proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or baked fish for effortless meal planning.

Effortless Cheese Grits Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines through this creamy cheese grits recipe, bringing rich flavors and hearty texture to breakfast or brunch. Home cooks can easily master this classic Southern dish with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¾ cup (177 ml) quick grits
• ¾ cup (177 ml) shredded cheddar cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup (118 ml) Parmesan cheese, room temperature
• 2 cups (474 ml) water
• 1 cup (237 ml) half and half
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) salt
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Foundation Preparation: Combine water, half and half, and salt in a medium pot, bringing the liquid to a robust boil while ensuring complete salt dissolution.
2. Grits Integration: Gradually whisk quick grits into the roiling liquid, maintaining constant motion to eliminate potential lumps and achieve a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Simmering and Cooking: Reduce heat, cover the pot, and allow grits to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent adherence and guarantee even cooking throughout.
4. Cheese and Butter Infusion: Remove from heat once grits reach peak tenderness, then fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses alongside butter, transforming the mixture into a sumptuous, creamy delicacy.
5. Seasoning and Serving: Season with freshly ground pepper, calibrating salt levels judiciously, then immediately transfer the luxurious grits to serving dishes to capture the optimal texture and warmth before natural thickening occurs.

Notes

• Prevent Lumpy Texture: Whisk continuously while adding grits to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency without unwanted clumps.
• Cheese Saltiness Alert: Taste carefully before adding extra salt, as cheddar and Parmesan naturally contribute saltiness to the dish.
• Timing is Key: Serve immediately for the best texture, as grits will thicken quickly when cooling down.
• Watch Liquid Ratio: Maintain proper water-to-grits proportion to achieve the perfect creamy, not too thick or thin, consistency.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg