Cheese Grits: Perfect Pairing Ideas For Your Next Meal

Cheese grits are a classic Southern dish that is both comforting and versatile. They can be served as a side dish or main course, and pair well with a variety of foods. Here are some suggestions for dishes that go well with cheese grits:

- Ricotta

- Green beans with bacon

- Sausage and potatoes

- Scrambled eggs

- Smoked cod

- Pulled pork

- Coconut shrimp

- Egg bites

- Sauteed mushrooms

- Grilled asparagus

- Fried green tomatoes

- Cornbread

- Spinach salad

- Fried chicken

- Roasted Brussels sprouts

- Collard greens

- Barbecue shrimp

- Fajita-style shrimp

- Shredded barbecue chicken

- Curried chicken

- Chorizo

- Sausage and eggs

- Ham

- Bacon

- Chicken broth

- Garlic grilled shrimp

- Fried eggs

- Pulled pork

- Garlic shrimp

- Braised beef short ribs

- Breakfast sausage

Barbecued shrimp

To make barbecued shrimp, you will need peeled and deveined large shrimp, seasoned with salt and pepper, and brushed with a tangy, bourbon-based barbecue sauce on both sides. Grease a cast-iron grill pan with oil and grill the shrimp over moderate heat, turning once, until cooked through (about 4 minutes).

The shrimp can be served as an appetiser with a squeeze of lime to enhance the sweet and spicy barbecue sauce, or as a main meal with cheese grits and extra barbecue sauce.

For the cheese grits, you will need stone-ground grits, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, salt, and ground black pepper. Cook the grits according to the package directions until tender, then remove from the heat and stir in the cheese, butter, and salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.

To take this dish to the next level, you can add bacon to the cheese grits. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon on paper towels, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp, then cook them in the bacon grease over medium heat until they begin to turn opaque, about 2 minutes. Add the bacon, scallions, parsley, garlic, and lemon juice to the shrimp and continue cooking until the shrimp are bright pink, about 3 minutes more.

Finally, spoon the grits into a serving bowl, add the shrimp mixture, and mix well. Serve immediately and enjoy the combination of creamy, cheesy grits with juicy, barbecued shrimp!

Sausage and eggs

Sausage and Egg Casserole

This hearty casserole combines creamy grits, eggs, cheese, and sausage for a filling and delicious meal. You can easily make it your own by adding extra cheese, vegetables like bell peppers, or even shrimp! It's a great option for feeding a crowd and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for holidays or potlucks.

For a simple yet satisfying dish, prepare a bowl of cheesy grits and top it with fried eggs and crumbled sausage. This combination is a classic for a reason—the rich, creamy grits complement the savoury sausage and eggs perfectly.

Grits Breakfast Bowl

If you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast option, try making a breakfast bowl with cheese grits, fried eggs, and sausage crumbles. This bowl is a tasty and filling way to start your day and can be customised with your favourite ingredients.

Sausage Gravy and Biscuits with Tomatoes

For a comforting and savoury dish, pair your cheese grits with sausage gravy and biscuits. The gravy adds a hearty and flavourful element to the meal, while the biscuits provide a soft and fluffy texture contrast. Don't forget to add some fresh tomatoes for a touch of freshness!

Grits with Sausage and Shrimp

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding shrimp to your sausage and egg grits. This combination may seem unexpected, but it's a classic Southern dish that brings together savoury and creamy elements for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Pulled pork

Ingredients:

• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup goat cheese
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 8 oz pulled pork
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 qt simmering water
• 4 eggs
• 1 oz fava beans, blanched and peeled
• 1 oz fresh English peas
• 1 quick-pickled shallot
• A few fresh mint sprigs, chopped
• A few fresh micro pea shoots
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup grits

Method:

For the pulled pork:

• Heat the pulled pork on a flattop until the edges are crisp and the meat is heated through.
• While the pork is heating, pour the vinegar into the quart of simmering water and swirl the water.
• Add salt to the water, then crack an egg into a separate bowl and gently tip it into the simmering water.
• Let the egg cook until the white is set and the yolk is soft, around 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

For the cheese grits:

• Bring chicken stock to a rapid boil in a heavy saucepan and gently stir in grits.
• Simmer, covered, for 5 to 7 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and slowly stir in heavy cream and goat cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

For the spring vegetables:

• In a mixing bowl, combine fava beans, peas, shaved fennel, shallots, mint, and pea shoots.
• Drizzle herb oil and lemon juice and toss until coated.

Plating:

• Divide grits into four dishes.
• Place pulled pork on top of the grits. Dress with the BBQ sauce.
• Divide dressed vegetables among the four dishes equally, and serve immediately.

Grilled asparagus

How to Make Grilled Asparagus:

Ingredients:

• Asparagus (thick spears are best for grilling)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper (preferably kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper)
• Lemon (optional, for a squeeze of lemon juice)

Instructions:

Preparing the Asparagus:

• Remove the woody ends of the asparagus. You can do this by either snapping the ends off with your hands or using a sharp knife to cut about ⅔ of the way down the stalk.
• If you snapped the ends, use a knife to tidy them up if desired.

Seasoning:

• Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
• Season generously with salt and pepper, and toss again.

Grilling:

• Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°-400°F.
• Brush the grill grates clean.
• Place the asparagus spears perpendicular to the bars on the grill to prevent them from falling through.
• Grill with the lid closed for about 6-10 minutes, or until the spears are tender and slightly charred.
• Use tongs to roll the spears for even grill marks.

Serving Suggestions:

Toppings:

• Browned butter and nuts
• Balsamic vinegar, goat cheese, and toasted pine nuts
• Smoky bacon and Parmesan cheese
• Feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist
• Ponzu sauce and toasted sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired dish
• Garlicky vinaigrette or garlic-infused olive oil

Main Dishes to Serve With:

• Greek chicken
• Grilled pork chops
• Grilled salmon
• BBQ chicken
• Grilled shrimp

Fried chicken

This indulgent dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The chicken thighs are marinated in a brine of buttermilk, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and paprika, which gives them a delicious flavour and helps keep the meat juicy. The thighs are then coated in a flour mixture and fried to perfection. The cheese grits are made with white grits, cream cheese, and Parmesan, and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The dish is served with kale, which is cooked with butter, vinegar, and hot pepper jelly.

Southern Fried Chicken and White Cheddar Grits

This classic combination of fried chicken and grits is hard to beat. The chicken is breaded and fried, and served with a gravy made from green onions and rich demi-glace. The grits are made with instant grits, white cheddar cheese, and butter. The addition of cheddar cheese gives the grits a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. This dish is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Other Fried Chicken and Cheese Grits Ideas

You can also get creative and experiment with different types of cheese in your grits, such as sharp cheddar, Parmesan, or even blue cheese. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can add some shrimp or bacon to your grits for an extra indulgent dish. So, whether you're a traditionalist or a culinary explorer, there are endless possibilities for creating delicious fried chicken and cheese grits combinations.

Frequently asked questions