Creamy Cheese Grits

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Creamy cheese grits are boiled and stirred to thick, luscious perfection with plenty of butter, milk, and cheese. This classic southern side dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast or dinner.

For more delicious cheesy recipes, try my Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole and Lobster Mac and Cheese next! 

These easy cheese grits are a delicious side dish but can also be the star of the show. Thick, savory, and cheesy, this rich dish tastes amazing as is but is even better when served with fried fish, shrimp, fried chicken, or bacon. This recipe teaches you how to make the best cheese grits.

Why you will love Cheese Grits:

Quick & Easy! With just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes, you can enjoy garlic cheese grits.

Cheesy! Enhance this hearty comfort food with cheddar cheese. Cheese lovers will especially love this breakfast comfort food.

Affordable! I love making this a side dish for the whole family to enjoy because a little goes a long way. It is incredibly inexpensive, plentiful and absolutely delicious!

Versatile! Eat it as is or enjoy it with a variety of toppings in order to customize it.

What are grits?

Grits are ground corn. Do not confuse them with cornmeal or polenta. The process for making this southern favorite includes grinding corn in a stone mill and then sifting it. The coarse bits are grits.

Traditionally, you boil and combine grits with milk and butter. Serve them sweet or savory.

Types of Grits

• Quick Grits/ Regular Grits: These are the most common variety of grits. Quick grits are fine ground and ready in about 5 minutes. Regular grits (old fashioned grits) are medium ground and take about 10 minutes to cook.
• Stone Ground Grits: This is a coarser, richer kind of grits. They are the least processed form of grits and take about 40 minutes to cook.
• Hominy Grits: These are made with lye-processed corn. It is coarse and takes anywhere from 5 minutes to 1 hour to make, depending on how they are ground.
• Instant Grits: These grits are precooked and dehydrated. Microwave them with room temperature water or add boiling water and they are ready in about 1 minute.

Ingredients for this Cheese Grits Recipe

To make cheesy grits, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Water: The liquid base of the recipe.
2. Chicken bouillon: Although this is an optional ingredient, it it highly recommended. It adds a mouthwatering, savory taste.
3. Garlic powder: For deliciously garlicky flavor.
4. Old Fashioned Grits: Do not use quick grits
5. Milk: Use heavy cream or half and half to enrich the dish and give it the creamy quality we desire.
6. Butter: This adds great flavor and even more creaminess.
7. Cheese: Use shredded cheddar cheese for a sharp, tangy flavor.
8. Seasoning: Use salt and pepper to taste (at least ½ teaspoon each).

How to make Cheese Grits

Add the water, chicken bouillon and garlic powder to a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Stir it so that the seasoning is combined with the water. Bring to a boil. 

Once the seasoned water is boiling, turn the heat down to medium low. Then slowly pour the grits into the water, whisking constantly while you pour the grits in to prevent lumps from forming. 

Let the grits simmer for 2-3 minutes. Be sure to whisk frequently so that they don’t stick to the bottom of the pan, and lumps don’t form. 

After 2-3 minutes the grits will begin to thicken up. Then whisk in your heavy cream and add in your butter. Continue to stir the grits until the cream and butter are fully incorporated. 

Sprinkle in your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and combined with the grits. 

Finally, add salt and pepper to taste.

Tips and Variations for the Best Cheese Grits Recipe

• Instead of water and bouillon cubes, you can use chicken broth.
• Make this recipe with whatever variety of grits you prefer. Just know the cooking times and textures will vary depending on what you choose.
• Use provolone, parmesan, or Monterey jack cheese as substitutes for sharp cheddar cheese.
• Stir frequently in order to prevent clumping.

What to do with leftover cheese grits

Store leftover cheese grits in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. To reheat, microwave or warm them up on the stove over low heat.

You may need to add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the texture because grits become thicker as they cool.

FAQ

Are cheese grits healthy?

Grits are rich in iron and vitamin B. It’s a hearty meal that will make you feel full for longer. However, adding cheese also adds calories. Cheese grits are OK to eat on occasion as part of a balanced diet. Eat it with protein for a more balanced meal.

What does cheese grits taste like?

Grits have a light corn flavor but generally taste however you season them. With cheese added, they have a salty, savory quality.

Can I use cornmeal to make grits?

No. Cornmeal is not a substitute for grits. Cornmeal requires a different cooking method and yields a different flavor and texture.

More Delicious Breakfast Side Dishes You’ll Love

• Southern Fried Apples
• Homemade Old Fashioned Pancakes

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