Andy Montoya
Cheese grits are a staple Southern comfort food dish that can be served at any meal, from breakfast to dinner. They are made with grits, butter, cheese, and seasonings. While some recipes call for fancy cheeses like Parmesan, sharp Provolone, or Bleu cheese, traditional Southern cooks insist that the best cheese for grits is a good, sharp cheddar. For a cup of dry grits, use a stick of butter and a pound of cheese, and cook the grits in a combination of water and heavy cream for a rich, special dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Sharp cheddar, Parmesan, sharp Provolone, Bleu cheese, pepper Jack cheese, shredded Colby Jack, smoked Gouda |
| Other ingredients | Butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, garlic, heavy cream, water, eggs, hot sauce, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, milk, stock |
| Preparation | Cooked, baked |
| Texture | Velvety, gummy |
| Temperature | Hot |
| Serving | Side dish, breakfast, lunch, dinner |
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What You'll Learn
Sharp cheddar, garlic, butter, and salt
Cheese grits are a comforting and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. While various cheeses can be used to make cheese grits, sharp cheddar is a classic choice that adds a nice, strong flavour without being too overpowering. To enhance the taste of sharp cheddar cheese grits, garlic, butter, and salt are excellent additions.
Ingredients
- Grits
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Butter
- Salt
- Garlic or Garlic Powder
Preparation
The preparation of cheese grits typically involves cooking the grits in boiling salted water, then adding butter and garlic, and cheese. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Boil Water and Cook Grits: Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. You can also use chicken broth instead of water for added flavour. For a creamier texture, some people recommend using milk or a combination of milk and water. Add the grits to the boiling liquid, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cover the pot and simmer according to the package instructions until the grits are tender.
- Add Butter and Garlic: Once the grits are cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in butter and garlic. If using fresh garlic, it is recommended to mince it finely. Alternatively, garlic powder can be used for added convenience and a milder garlic flavour.
- Incorporate Sharp Cheddar: Grate the sharp cheddar cheese and slowly add it to the grits, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and blended.
- Season with Salt and Pepper: Taste the grits and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Tips and Variations
- For an even richer dish, heavy cream or cream cheese can be added along with the butter and cheese.
- Some people like to sprinkle additional sharp cheddar cheese on top of the grits for an extra cheesy touch.
- Cheese grits go well with various main dishes, including ham, spinach casserole, fried fish, shrimp, and more.
- While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan or Bleu cheese for a fancier twist.
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Parmesan, sharp provolone, or bleu cheese
Starting with Parmesan, this cheese is known for its nutty and earthy flavors, adding depth to the grits. To make creamy Parmesan grits, one recipe suggests bringing salt and water to a boil in a medium saucepan, whisking in grits, and cooking for about 20 minutes. Once the grits are tender, you can stir in the grated Parmesan, butter, and cream.
For those who prefer a sharper flavor, sharp provolone is a great option. Imported from Italy, provolone piccante is aged for a longer period, resulting in a stronger and sharper taste. This variety of provolone is commonly used in antipasto or with salami, but it can add a unique twist to your grits.
Finally, for a bold and distinctive flavor, bleu cheese can be an excellent choice for grits. Ina Garten, a renowned chef, features a creamy bleu cheese grits recipe in her cookbook "Cook Like a Pro." Her recipe includes adding half-and-half, butter, and Roquefort cheese to the grits for a rich and indulgent dish.
While grits are often enjoyed with cheddar, branching out to Parmesan, sharp provolone, or bleu cheese can offer exciting and delicious variations to this classic comfort food. Each of these cheeses brings its own unique characteristics, allowing you to create diverse and sophisticated grits dishes.
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Pepper jack, Colby Jack, and smoked gouda
When it comes to choosing the best cheese for grits, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, and Smoked Gouda are all excellent options, each offering a unique flavour and texture.
Let's start with Pepper Jack cheese. This variety is perfect for those who enjoy a spicy kick to their grits. Pepper Jack is a semi-soft American cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. It pairs well with other ingredients such as jalapenos, garlic, and cilantro, making it a versatile choice for those who want to add a bit of spice to their dish.
Colby Jack cheese, also known as Cojack, is another delicious option for grits. It is a marble cheese, a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, resulting in a semi-soft to semi-hard texture, depending on its aging process. Colby Jack has a mild to mellow flavour and is particularly popular in the United States. It melts easily, making it ideal for grits, and can be used in various dishes such as macaroni and cheese, casseroles, and pasta bakes.
Smoked Gouda grits are a classic choice, especially in Southern-style cooking. Gouda provides a unique taste that sets it apart from other cheeses used in grits. It has a creamy texture and a distinctive flavour that complements the grits perfectly. Smoked Gouda grits are often served as a side dish for breakfast or dinner and pair well with eggs, meat, shrimp, and bacon.
Each of these cheeses brings its own character to the grits, so feel free to experiment and find your favourite. Whether it's the spicy kick of Pepper Jack, the mildness of Colby Jack, or the distinctive flavour of Smoked Gouda, you're sure to enjoy a delicious and comforting dish.
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How to prepare grits
Grits are a classic Southern dish made from coarsely ground corn, with a texture similar to creamy porridge or polenta. They are typically served as a side dish and can be eaten at any meal, from breakfast to supper.
To prepare grits, you can follow these steps:
Ingredients
- Grits
- Liquid (water, milk, stock, or a combination)
- Salt
- Butter
- Pepper
- Cheese (optional)
- Cream (optional)
Method
- Bring your chosen liquid to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. For a savoury dish, use stock or water, and for a sweeter dish, use milk or a combination of milk and water.
- Slowly whisk the grits into the boiling liquid to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue whisking for about 2 minutes, then add salt, pepper, and butter.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, whisking occasionally. The longer you cook the grits, the thicker they will become.
- If you are adding cheese, remove the grits from the heat and stir in the cheese until melted and combined.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste and serve.
For a more indulgent version, you can add heavy cream to the grits along with the cheese. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Parmesan, sharp Provolone, or Bleu cheese.
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What to serve with grits
When it comes to serving grits, there are several ways to go about it, depending on the occasion and your personal preferences. Here are some ideas on what to serve with grits:
As a Side Dish
Grits are a versatile side dish that can accompany a variety of main courses. They are commonly served as a side in Southern cuisine, pairing well with proteins such as chicken, fried fish, and shrimp and ham. For a comforting and flavourful option, consider serving grits with just butter, salt, and pepper.
Breakfast, Brunch, or Lunch
Grits are a staple breakfast item, especially in Southern cuisine. They can be served as a hearty and comforting breakfast option, either as a side or as the main dish. For brunch, grits can be served alongside a ham and spinach casserole or enjoyed as a vegetarian option. They are also a great choice for lunch, providing a quick, easy, and inexpensive meal.
Special Occasions
Cheese grits are often associated with special occasions and are known to elevate a simple meal. To make them extra rich and special, cook them in a combination of water and heavy cream. Use a generous amount of butter, cheese, and cream, and feel free to adjust the seasoning and spices to your taste.
Cheese Varieties
When it comes to cheese, Cheddar is a popular choice for grits, adding a sharp flavour. However, you can also experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan, sharp Provolone, or Bleu cheese, or try pepper Jack cheese, shredded Colby Jack, or smoked Gouda. Each cheese will bring its unique flavour and character to the dish.
Wine Pairing
If you're looking to serve grits as an appetiser or a more upscale dish, consider pairing them with a wine that complements their rich flavour. A Pinot Noir is recommended as it has the substance to stand up to the cheese grits without overwhelming the dish.
So, whether you're enjoying grits as a side, a breakfast meal, or a special occasion dish, there are numerous ways to serve and enjoy them. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, seasonings, and pairings to find your preferred combination!
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese for grits is sharp cheddar.
Yes, some people like to experiment with different cheeses such as Parmesan, sharp Provolone, Bleu cheese, pepper Jack cheese, shredded Colby Jack, and smoked Gouda.
Cheese grits are often seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, butter, and hot sauce. They also go well with proteins like ham, chicken, and fried fish.
Grits are made from ground corn, typically white dent corn. They are cooked by boiling water and then simmering the grits until the liquid is absorbed.
Yes, grits can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or microwave. They are best served hot immediately after preparation but can be reheated at any temperature.
