Kamil Perry
There are many ways to use leftover cheese grits. One option is to make grits cakes, which involves spreading the grits onto a pan or dish and allowing them to solidify in the refrigerator before slicing and pan-frying them. You can also make grits fries by cutting the solidified grits into strips, drizzling them with olive oil, and baking them until crispy. For a more indulgent option, you can fry leftover grits with cheese and bacon, serving them with maple syrup.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Stored in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to three days |
| Reheating | Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Frying | Pan-fried, deep-fried, or air-fried |
| Oil | Vegetable oil, olive oil, or butter |
| Temperature | Heat oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for frying |
| Sides | Shrimp po' boy, BLT, fried chicken, gourmet BLT, fried green tomato sandwich, or fried chicken sandwich |
| Dipping Sauce | Tabasco crema sauce |
| Toppings | Chives, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, caramelized onions, grilled shrimp, or Manchego cheese |
| Add-ins | Cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, butter, black pepper, thyme, salt, bacon, or chives |
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Make grits cakes
Grits cakes are a delicious and easy way to use up leftover cheese grits. They are crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and can be customised with cheese, herbs, or a touch of spice. Here is a step-by-step guide to making grits cakes:
Step 1: Prepare the Grits
If you are using leftover grits, reheat them over the stove with a splash of milk or butter. For a basic grits recipe, add water, grits, and salt to a medium saucepan and set it over medium-high heat. Bring the grits to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 20-22 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent scorching. For cheesy grits, add shredded cheddar cheese to the cooked grits before spreading them out. You can also try Tex-Mex inspired grits by adding shredded Monterey jack cheese and minced jalapeno, or ""elevated" grits with parmesan cheese and fresh minced thyme.
Step 2: Set the Grits
Remove the grits from the heat and spread them into an even layer in a prepared pan. You can line the pan with parchment paper or foil, making sure it covers all sides for easy removal later. Place the grits in the fridge to chill for about an hour, or until fully set.
Step 3: Cut and Fry the Grits Cakes
Once the grits have solidified, remove them from the pan and cut them into squares or rounds about half an inch thick. Heat your preferred fat in a skillet over medium-high heat. You can use butter, bacon grease, or any oil of your choice. Gently place the grits cakes into the pan and let them cook until a crust forms. Flip them over when the edges turn a deep golden brown, and cook the other side.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Slide the grits cakes onto a plate and top with cheese, green onion, or a drizzle of hot sauce. Grits cakes are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for later by arranging them on a baking sheet, transferring them to a freezer bag once solid, and then thawing and frying as needed.
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Fry them
Frying is a great way to use up leftover cheese grits. You can make grit cakes, grit fries, or simply fry them in a pan.
Grit Cakes
To make grit cakes, first, chill your leftover cheese grits in the fridge. You can do this by pouring the grits into short plastic tumblers or a rectangular casserole dish, covering them with cellophane wrap, and refrigerating until solidified. Once solid, slide the grits out onto a cutting board and cut them into rounds or strips about half an inch thick.
Next, dredge the grit cakes in plain all-purpose flour—this will help the coating stick. You can then fry the cakes in a pan with butter or oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and creamy on the inside.
Grit Fries
Alternatively, you can make grit fries by cutting the solidified leftover grits into strips resembling steak fries. Spread the strips out on a cookie sheet, drizzle them with olive oil, and bake until crispy.
Pan-Frying
You can also simply fry leftover cheese grits in a pan. First, allow the grits to cool and firm, then cut them into your desired shape. You can then fry them in a pan with butter or oil until golden brown and crispy.
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Make grits fries
Making grit fries is a great way to use up leftover cheese grits. The process is simple and the result is a delicious, crispy treat. Here is a step-by-step guide to making grit fries with your leftover cheese grits:
Preparation:
Firstly, line a shallow baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overlap the sides. You can also use wax paper. Grease the paper with butter or oil.
Shaping the Grits:
In a saucepan, heat up your leftover cheese grits until they are soft and easy to stir. You can add a little water, milk, or stock to the pan to help loosen the grits. Season the grits with salt and black pepper to taste, and add some butter if you like. Stir in a handful of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey jack, or Parmesan, and stir until the cheese is melted and combined. Spread the warm, seasoned grits onto the prepared baking pan, smoothing them into an even layer about an inch thick. Allow the grits to cool and set. Once set, cover the pan and place it in the refrigerator. Chill the grits for at least an hour, or until fully set and congealed.
Frying:
When you are ready to fry, remove the grits from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the congealed grits into strips, resembling steak fries. Try to make each fry about an inch in width; thinner fries may break apart. Transfer the cut grits to a plate or platter and return them to the refrigerator until you are ready to fry.
For frying, you can use a cast-iron skillet with butter or oil, but deep frying is recommended for the best, crispiest results. Heat your oil of choice to 350°F and carefully lower the grit fries into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the grit fries until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Serving:
Season the hot, crispy grit fries with sea salt and serve immediately. They go well with sandwiches, fried chicken, or fried shrimp. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as Tabasco crema. Enjoy!
There you have it—a creative and tasty way to transform your leftover cheese grits into a delicious side dish or snack.
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Use them as a side dish
Cheese grits are a classic Southern dish that can be served as a side for any meal, from breakfast to supper. They are a comforting, rich, and creamy dish that can be topped with a variety of ingredients.
If you have leftover cheese grits, you can easily repurpose them as a side dish. One option is to make grits cakes. Simply pour the leftover grits into short plastic cups or cylindrical containers and refrigerate them until they solidify. Once solid, slide the cylinder of grits onto a cutting board and slice it into rounds about half an inch thick. Then, pan-fry the rounds in a skillet coated with cooking spray until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve these grits cakes as a side dish with a variety of toppings, such as fish fillets, shrimp, greens, or fried eggs.
Another option for repurposing leftover cheese grits is to make grits "fries." Pour the leftover grits into a greased or parchment-lined rimmed sheet pan and refrigerate until solid. Then, cut the grits into strips resembling steak fries or thicker strips. Place the strips on a baking sheet, drizzle them with olive oil or vegetable broth, and bake until crispy. Serve these grits "fries" as a unique and delicious side dish.
Additionally, you can simply reheat your leftover cheese grits and serve them as a side dish. Leftover cheese grits can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, use a microwave on 50% power, stirring the grits every 30 seconds, or add a splash of water and reheat over low heat in a small saucepan, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Cheese grits are a versatile side dish that can be paired with various proteins and toppings, making them a great option for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. They are a comforting and creamy addition to any meal.
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Add toppings
Leftover cheese grits can be repurposed as a base for a variety of toppings. Here are some topping ideas to transform your leftover cheese grits into a delicious meal:
Sauteed Peppers and Onions
Add a splash of colour and flavour to your cheese grits with some sauteed peppers and onions. This combination can be a tasty and vibrant topping, adding a touch of sweetness and spice to your dish.
Grilled Meat
For a heartier option, top your cheese grits with grilled meat such as pork chops, seasoned grilled fish, or even Italian sausage. The savoury flavours of the grilled meat will complement the creamy cheese grits beautifully.
Spicy Shrimp
For those who enjoy a kick of spice, topping your cheese grits with spicy shrimp is a great option. This combination is a classic comfort food in the Southern US and can be enjoyed any time of day. For an extra spicy kick, you could also add some diced jalapenos to your grits.
Fried Egg
For a comforting breakfast option, try topping your cheese grits with a fried egg. The rich, runny yolk pairs perfectly with the creamy grits, creating a satisfying and indulgent morning meal.
Crispy Bacon
Bacon and grits are a classic combination. For an extra crispy and indulgent treat, fry your leftover cheese grits in bacon grease until they form a golden crust. Top it off with some crispy bacon bits for a delicious savoury treat.
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