Patrick Oconnell
Cheese grits are a tasty, creamy, and comforting side dish that can be served at any time of the day. They are a classic Southern dish, often made with a combination of butter, cheese, water, and heavy cream. The type of cheese used can vary, with some recipes calling for sharp cheddar, while others suggest using a mix of cheddar and parmesan. While grits are typically served as a side, they can also be a base for heartier dishes, such as shrimp and grits or fried catfish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Savory, rich, creamy, hearty, smooth, comforting |
| Ideal temperature | Hot |
| Ideal accompaniments | Eggs, bacon, ham, shrimp, beef short ribs, fried catfish, coleslaw, jalapeño, trout, braised beef, garlic, onion, milk, butter, salt, pepper, Tabasco, chicken stock, chicken broth, heavy cream, aged cheddar, Parmesan, sweet onion, red pepper, crimini mushrooms, white wine, chili powder, cornmeal, hominy |
| Ideal for | Breakfast, brunch, dinner |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese grits are creamy, rich, and savoury
Cheese grits are a creamy, savoury, and hearty dish with a luxurious texture. They are made from ground corn, traditionally white dent corn, which is a starchier variety that results in a sweeter, smoother, and more pure corn flavour. The grits are cooked in a combination of water, milk, and heavy cream, with butter and cheese added towards the end of the cooking process. The result is a rich, indulgent dish with a creamy texture.
Cheese grits are a classic Southern dish and are often served as a side, paired with proteins such as shrimp, beef, or fish. They are also commonly enjoyed for breakfast, topped with a fried egg and crumbled bacon. The versatility of cheese grits is part of their appeal, and they can be served at any time of day.
The key to making delicious cheese grits is to be generous with the butter, cheese, and cream. Recipes often call for a whole stick of butter and a pound of cheese for a cup of dry grits. Some recipes also include garlic, onion, and spices such as Tabasco or chili powder.
It is important to stir the grits frequently while cooking to achieve a velvety texture, and they are best served immediately while still hot. However, leftover cooked grits can be reheated in the oven or microwave, and some people even enjoy them cold, straight from the fridge!
Cheese grits are a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for any meal, and their creamy, rich, and savoury flavours are sure to please any crowd.
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They're made from ground corn, traditionally white dent corn
Grits are made from ground corn, traditionally white dent corn. This variety of corn is starchier, resulting in a sweeter, smoother, and purer corn flavor. The process of making grits involves grinding corn in a stone mill, then sifting it through a screen to separate the finer bits, which become grit meal or cornmeal, from the coarser pieces, which are used as grits.
Grits are a classic Southern dish, often served as a side and enjoyed at any time of the day. They are rich, creamy, and savory, with a hearty texture. The key to achieving the desired creamy consistency is to stir the grits frequently while cooking. It is also important to soak the grits prior to cooking, which helps them cook more quickly and evenly.
When preparing cheese grits, shredded cheddar cheese and butter are typically added to enhance the flavor and creaminess. Some recipes also call for cooking the grits in a combination of water and heavy cream, milk, or broth for added richness. The amount of butter, cheese, and cream used can be adjusted to personal preference, but it is advised not to skimp on these ingredients for the best-tasting grits.
Additionally, cheese grits can be seasoned and spiced to taste with ingredients such as pepper, hot sauce, or different types of cheese like Parmesan. They can be served as a side with proteins like ham, eggs, and bacon, or paired with shrimp for a heartier meal. Cheese grits can also be enjoyed plain or with a simple topping of cheese. They are best served hot and fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
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Cheese grits are a classic Southern dish
While grits can be enjoyed plain or with a simple topping like cheese, they are elevated when cooked in a combination of water, milk, broth, and heavy cream. This creates an indulgent, creamy texture. To prepare, grits are boiled and then simmered until tender, with frequent stirring to achieve the desired consistency. The addition of butter and cheese creates a decadent and flavorful dish.
Cheese grits are versatile and can be served at any meal. For breakfast or brunch, they pair well with eggs, bacon, and ham. They can also be enjoyed as a side dish with grilled shrimp, smoky shrimp, or Cajun shrimp, or as a base for a next-level breakfast bowl. For those who enjoy spice, a few drops of Tabasco hot sauce can be added.
The key to delicious cheese grits is to be generous with the butter, cheese, and cream. The use of sharp cheddar cheese over mild or medium varieties adds extra flavor. For those who crave a more indulgent dish, heavy cream is a must, and it is advised not to substitute it with half-and-half. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich and satisfying dish that is beloved in the South and beyond.
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They can be made with chicken broth and water
Cheese grits are a tasty, rich, and creamy side dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They are a classic Southern dish and are usually made with white dent corn, which results in a sweeter, smoother, and purer corn flavor.
While there are many ways to make cheese grits, one popular method is to cook them in a combination of water and heavy cream. For those who want to add a boost of flavor and some extra salt, chicken broth can be used in place of water. The process of making cheese grits involves bringing the liquid to a boil, adding the grits, and then cooking until thickened. The cheese and butter are then added and stirred until melted.
For those who want to make their cheese grits extra rich, it is recommended to use a heavy hand with the butter, cheese, and cream. This can include using a stick of butter and a pound of cheese for every cup of dry grits. Additionally, it is important to stir the grits frequently to achieve a velvety texture. If you're looking to spice things up, you can add a few drops of Tabasco hot sauce to your grits.
Cheese grits are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on their own or as a side. They pair well with a variety of proteins, including shrimp, ham, eggs, and bacon. For those who enjoy a heartier meal, cheese grits can also be served with grilled vegetables and shrimp.
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Toppings include shrimp, bacon, and eggs
Cheese grits are a Southern US comfort food. They are made with corn grits, cooked in water, chicken broth, or milk, and mixed with butter and cheese. They can be made sweet or savoury and are often served with toppings such as shrimp, bacon, and eggs.
Cheese grits with shrimp is a classic Southern US dish. The shrimp is typically sautéed and served with garlic, scallions, parsley, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a dash of hot sauce. The bacon is cooked until crispy and crumbled into small pieces, then mixed into the grits or served as a topping. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and buttery, and is considered a decadent option for special occasions.
Cheese grits with bacon is another popular Southern comfort food. The bacon is cooked until crispy and then crumbled into small pieces. It is then stirred into the grits, along with milk, cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. More crispy bacon is often served as a topping, along with chives and freshly cracked black pepper. This dish is creamy and hearty, and can be served as a side or a main course.
Cheese grits with eggs is also a simple and comforting dish. The eggs are typically served on top of the grits, which are made with quick grits, cooked in water, chicken broth, or milk, and mixed with butter and cheese. This dish is a straightforward and satisfying option for breakfast or any time of day.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese grits are described as having a creamy texture and a rich, savoury, and hearty flavour.
Cheese grits are made from ground corn, specifically, white dent corn.
Cheese grits are a versatile side dish and can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings, such as shrimp, eggs, and bacon. They also pair well with ham and other proteins.
Depending on the type of grits used, cooking time can vary from 15 to 25 minutes. Quick-cooking grits will take less time, while stone-ground grits may require a longer cooking time.
Yes, cheese grits can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave until heated through.
