The Best Southern Cheese Grits Recipe In Georgia - The Domestic Diva (2024)

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This easy cheese grits recipe is a breakfast staple in the south. A Georgia recipe for southern style cheese grits is quick to make in less than 15 minutes. American cheese grits an be served with your favorite seafood like shrimp or fried catfish for dinner. This southern cheese grits recipe uses cheddar cheese and quick cooking grits.

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Cheese Grits are a staple at any southern table. Cheese grits can be served alongside crispy bacon for breakfast or fried catfish for dinner. This southern cheese grits recipe is quick, simple, and delicious.

What are southern grits made of?

Believe it or not, corn! Grits are made from either white or yellow corn. The best grits are stone ground but they take a bit longer to cook than quick grits.

What do grits taste like?

Grits may be made from corn but they do not taste like corn at all. They have a creamy, smooth yet slightly gritty texture. Grits take on the flavor of whatever you cook them with.

So if you add cheese to your grits then the grits will taste like whatever cheese you flavored them with.

If you are like my husband, and would rather have sweet instead of savory grits then add some sugar and butter to plain southern grits.

The Best Southern Cheese Grits Recipe In Georgia - The Domestic Diva (1)

What is the best cheese for cheese grits?

True southern cheese grits are made with sharp cheddar cheese.

I was born and raised in Georgia. Just like our macaroni and cheese, around these parts we prefer our cheese on the sharper side.

When it comes to grits the only way I know how to eat them is with lots of cheese.

But, visit a restaurant here in the south, most of the time they will cut corners to save their budget. Often serving grits with a slice of American Cheese (yes, really) or a few sprinkles of mild cheddar.

Cheese lovers, ya’ll know that neither one of these cheeses will do when it comes to a divine bowl of southern cheese grits.

So I’m sharing with you my secret to making the best southern cheese grits right in your own kitchen. Not only is this recipe easy and delicious but it also takes 15 minutes to make from start to finish.

What do you eat with cheese grits?

Cheese grits can be eaten a variety of ways. Some like to eat cheese grits for breakfast alongside a traditional country breakfast of eggs, biscuits, and your choice of meat like ham, bacon, or sausage.

Others might prefer to eat cheese grits for dinner serving them alongside seafood dishes like fried catfish or topping them with sautéed shrimp.

There is just something about a big bowl of warm, ooey-gooey cheese grits. It definitely will warm your soul. Perfect for cold mornings or just for a little bit of southern comfort food when you need it most.

This recipe is a huge hit with my family. So much so that we always have grits stocked in the cupboard. You never know when that cheesy craving will strike.

The Best Southern Cheese Grits Recipe In Georgia - The Domestic Diva (2)

How do you like to eat your grits? Sweet or Savory?

I would love for you to give this recipe a try. Let me know what you think of this recipe in the comment section below.

You can serve alongside your favorite breakfast dishes, compliment a seafood feast, or indulge in a bowl all on its own.

The Best Southern Cheese Grits Recipe In Georgia - The Domestic Diva (3)

Southern Cheese Grits Recipe

The Best Southern Cheese Grits Recipe In Georgia - The Domestic Diva (4)The Domestic Diva

This easy cheese grits recipe is a breakfast staple in the south. A Georgia recipe for southern style cheese grits is quick to make in less than 15 minutes. American cheese grits an be served with your favorite seafood like shrimp or fried catfish for dinner. This southern cheese grits recipe uses cheddar cheese and quick cooking grits.

5 from 13 votes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup quick cooking grits
  • 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • In a saucepan, add butter, water, milk, and salt.

  • Heat wet ingredients on high until it just begins to boil.

  • Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually stir in quick cooking grits.

  • Stir occasionally as grits cook for approximately 5 minutes.

  • Once grits have thickened, reduce heat to low then add cheese and pepper.

  • Continue stirring until cheese is completely melted.

  • Divide into 4 servings. Top with extra cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Can’t find grits in your grocery store?

These quick cooking grits are our family favorite because they come in a big 5 lb bag and only take 5 minutes to cook.

However, if you have the time thesestone ground white gritswould be wonderful to use in this recipe they would just take a little bit longer to cook. Once thickened you can then add the cheese of your choice.

The Best Southern Cheese Grits Recipe In Georgia - The Domestic Diva (5)

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The Best Southern Cheese Grits Recipe In Georgia - The Domestic Diva (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good grits? ›

Grits are a Southern soul food staple and the ultimate creamy comfort food. The key to cooking old-fashioned grits is going low and slow—use a low heat so the grits simmer and slowly release their starches, which creates a decadent, silky texture.

How are grits served in the South? ›

Since grits typically lack flavor, they are often cooked with butter, cheese, cream, or gravy, and topped with shrimp, mushrooms, ham, or bacon. Shrimp and grits, a traditional Southern preparation, serves as many peoples' introduction to rich, creamy grits.

Are grits better with milk or water? ›

Creamy, cheesy piping-hot grits topped with spicy sausage – I don't think it gets much better than that on a cold day. Breakfast, lunch or dinner – this dish is perfect anytime! Aside from lots of delicious cheese, these grits get their extra creaminess by cooking them in milk.

How do you make grits taste better? ›

Add butter, salt, and pepper.

Grits are kinda bland in their natural state. Butter, salt, and pepper wakes them up and bring out that wonderful light corn flavor. Adding cheddar cheese, hot sauce, bacon bits, garlic, and other spices is also great!

How long should you soak grits before cooking? ›

Before turning on the stove, artisan grain producer Anson Mills recommends soaking the grits overnight for a “superior” texture. This step also reduces the cooking time by about 50 percent, which can take from about 20 minutes to 1 hour or more, depending on the type of grits and desired consistency.

What does adding an egg to grits do? ›

It doesn't taste like egg, not really, but it makes the grits taste richer, with a more cohesive, rib-sticking texture. It's also an easy way to sneak a little more protein in there—six grams per egg—and I've found it amplifies the cheesiness of cheese grits, without adding any extra dairy.

What does putting milk in grits do? ›

Milk adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness—ideal for cheese grits—while cream adds even more richness to grits in a breakfast casserole. Buttermilk adds a bit of tanginess to recipes like our Buttermilk Stone-Ground Grits.

What is Georgia State food grits? ›

The state of Georgia declared grits to be its official prepared food in 2002. A similar bill was introduced in South Carolina to name it the official state food, but it did not advance.

How do most southerners eat grits? ›

Serving Southern Grits

We often eat these grits as-is for breakfast (or topped with a fried egg or crumbled sausage). But they also make a delicious bed for stove-cooked beans or sautéed greens, and are a welcome side for weeknight dinners and holidays, too.

Can you crack an egg in grits? ›

A cracked egg is the simplest way to instill rich texture and flavor into grits without having to swap a portion of the cooking liquid for heavy cream. You could even forgo the standard addition of butter by adding an extra egg yolk to the pot.

Is it OK to eat grits every day? ›

Conclusion. Adding grits to your dietary plans is a great move. They are a versatile food option that's packed with iron, B vitamins, antioxidants, and several other nutrients. As with all other foods though, be mindful of the possible downsides like nutrient loss during production and a high carb count.

Are grits good for your stomach? ›

Health Benefits of Grits

Grits are a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy to your body. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and promote a healthy gut. Grits are low in fat and cholesterol, making them heart-healthy food choices.

How do most Southerners eat grits? ›

Serving Southern Grits

We often eat these grits as-is for breakfast (or topped with a fried egg or crumbled sausage). But they also make a delicious bed for stove-cooked beans or sautéed greens, and are a welcome side for weeknight dinners and holidays, too.

What does baking soda do to grits? ›

Easily achieve the perfect creamy texture and save yourself some serious time in the kitchen by utilizing the little-known tip of adding baking soda to the pot. Just a pinch added early in the cooking process helps the grits to thicken up and can cut the needed cooking time in half.

Should you soak grits before cooking? ›

Soaking grits in water overnight and cooking them in their soaking liquid reduces their cooking time by about 50 percent. In real terms, this means 1 cup of grits, unsoaked, cooks in about 90 minutes; soaked overnight, they cook in about 50 minutes. Either way, don't rush these grits.

How do you get the gritty taste out of grits? ›

Make them creamier by cooking longer. Some folks add milk to the water and say that helps as well. The issue with using milk is scorching. Frequent whisking or stirring is essential with all types of grits.

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