Cheese And Grits: The Perfect Pairing

Cheese grits are a classic Southern dish, made from corn that has been ground into a coarse meal. They are traditionally boiled and mixed with milk and butter, and can be served as a side dish or a main course. The type of grits used will determine the cooking time, with stone-ground grits taking up to 40-45 minutes to cook, while quick or regular grits will be ready in 5-10 minutes.

When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your grits, sharp cheddar is a popular choice as it adds a nice, sharp flavour without being too overpowering. However, you can also experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese, jack, white cheddar, Fontina, or blue cheese. For an extra kick, you can also add diced jalapeños and bacon bits.

So, the next time you're looking for a comforting and indulgent dish, why not give cheese grits a try? They're perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

How to make grits creamier

Grits are a Southern soul food staple and the ultimate creamy comfort food. Here are some tips and tricks to make grits creamier:

Use a combination of liquids

While grits are often cooked in either milk or water, a combination of the two will result in a silkier texture that isn't too heavy. You can also substitute water with chicken or vegetable stock for additional flavour. For an even richer result, use heavy cream or half-and-half.

Cook grits low and slow

Use a low heat so the grits simmer and slowly release their starches, creating a decadent, silky texture. Whisking constantly during the first couple of minutes and frequently throughout the rest of the cooking process will also help to prevent lumps from forming.

Choose the right type of grits

Traditional, old-fashioned grits are coarsely ground and have a bright corn flavour. They are less processed than quick-cooking or instant grits, which means they have more flavour and texture. However, if you are looking for a very smooth and creamy texture, regular old-fashioned grits are recommended over stone-ground grits.

Add cheese

Cheese grits are a popular variation, with cheddar, gouda, and cream cheese being common additions. Adding cheese will make the grits creamier and add a savoury flavour.

Season and serve

Season your grits with salt and pepper to taste. They also go well with butter, sugar, honey, or nuts. For a heartier option, add country-style sausage gravy or red-eye gravy.

What to serve with cheese grits

Cheese grits are a versatile dish that can be served at any meal, from breakfast to supper. They are a staple in Southern cooking and can be served with a variety of foods, including:

Proteins

• Shrimp: This is a classic pairing for grits, especially in the South. Sauteed shrimp or even shrimp with bacon are a great choice to serve with cheese grits.
• Scallops: For a softer and more buttery seafood option, scallops are an excellent choice. Fontina or another melty cheese pairs well with scallops and grits.
• Pulled pork: Leftover pulled pork is a delicious and hearty option to serve with grits. For extra flavour, add some rich gravy to the mix.
• Pork chops: The fattiness of pork chops works well with the neutral base of grits. You can cut the pork into bite-sized pieces and mix it into the grits, or serve the grits as a side dish.
• Fried catfish: The crunchy breading on fried catfish adds an interesting texture to grits. Creole seasoning in the catfish breading can also add a flavour punch.
• Country ham: The saltiness of country ham makes it a perfect pairing with grits. Add some eggs and hot sauce for a hearty breakfast.
• Sausage: Chopped-up sausage links or patties can add some spice and flavour to your cheese grits.
• Chicken: Fried chicken or grilled chicken can be a tasty protein to serve alongside cheese grits.
• Beef tenderloin: For a more luxurious option, serve your cheese grits with beef tenderloin.

Eggs

Cheese grits and eggs are a classic combination, especially for breakfast. You can serve them with fried, poached, scrambled, or boiled eggs. Mix in the yolk with warm, salted grits for a comforting meal.

Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables: Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, onions, carrots, and butternut squash can add a depth of flavour and sweetness to your grits.
• Okra: Okra is another Southern favourite that pairs well with grits. You can fry, saute, or boil okra to go with your meal.
• Leeks: Leeks can add a pungent flavour to your grits. Try browning the white part of the leek lengthwise over the fire for a sweet and mild flavour.
• Mushrooms: Searing, sauteing, or frying mushrooms can add a meaty texture and flavour to your grits, especially if you're looking for a vegan option.

Other Options

• Beans: Beans are a healthy and affordable option to serve with grits. Try pinto beans in a spicy sauce, or go for chickpeas, lentils, or any other legume of your choice.
• Nuts: For a protein-packed breakfast, add some nuts to your cheese grits. You can also include dried or fresh fruit, chia or flax seeds, and baking spices like cinnamon.
• Sugar and butter: For a sweet twist on grits, add some sugar and butter. You can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavour.
• Biscuits and gravy: This is a classic Southern combination that can be served with cheese grits for a filling breakfast.
• Grits casserole: For a heartier meal, try a cheesy grits casserole.

The best cheeses for grits

Grits are a classic Southern dish, made from corn that has been ground into a coarse meal. They are traditionally boiled and mixed with milk and butter, and can be served as a side dish or a breakfast food. While grits are delicious on their own, adding cheese can take them to the next level. Here are some of the best cheeses to use:

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for grits, as it adds a sharp, savory flavor. It melts well and pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the grits. You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar, depending on your preference for a more subtle or pronounced cheese flavor.

Gouda

For a smoky, savory flavor, smoked Gouda cheese is an excellent option to mix into your grits. It has a creamy texture that blends beautifully with the grits, creating an indulgent and satisfying dish.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack cheese has a mild flavor and melts easily, making it a great choice for grits. It won't overpower the other flavors in your dish, and its creamy texture will enhance the creaminess of the grits themselves.

Parmesan

If you're looking for a cheese that will add a salty, nutty kick to your grits, consider using Parmesan. It has a strong flavor, so a little goes a long way. Parmesan can add depth and complexity to your grits without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a soft and tangy cheese that can add a unique flavor to your grits. It has a creamy texture and a distinctive taste that will elevate your grits to the next level.

Blue Cheese

For a bold and pungent flavor, consider adding some blue cheese to your grits. It has a strong flavor and a creamy texture, making it a perfect match for the rich, creamy grits.

When it comes to choosing the best cheese for your grits, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. You can experiment with different cheeses or even create a blend of several varieties to find the combination that suits your taste buds. Get creative, and don't be afraid to try something new!

How to reheat grits

Cheese grits are a delicious and comforting meal, but what happens when you have leftovers? Luckily, grits are easy to reheat and there are several methods you can use. Here is a detailed guide on how to reheat grits:

Using a Microwave

The microwave is the quickest method for reheating grits. Here are the steps to follow:

• Transfer the grits to a microwave-safe bowl.
• Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or milk for each cup of grits. This extra liquid will help loosen the grits and prevent them from drying out.
• Microwave the grits on high power for 60-90 seconds. Stir the grits halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently, until the grits are hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the grits.
• Once hot, stir in additional liquid, butter, or cheese if desired. Enjoy your grits immediately!

Using a Stovetop

The stovetop method is also a popular choice for reheating grits. Here's how to do it:

• Combine the leftover grits with a splash of milk, broth, or water in a saucepan. You can also add extra ingredients like cheese, sausage, or vegetables at this stage.
• Warm the grits over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
• If the grits become too thick, stir in additional hot liquid such as cream or milk to adjust the consistency.
• Remove from the heat once the grits are hot and creamy. Enjoy immediately!

Using an Oven

Reheating grits in the oven is best for larger quantities. Here's the process:

• Preheat the oven to 300°F (or 180°F if you prefer a lower temperature).
• Spoon the grits into an oven-safe casserole dish.
• Add a small amount of liquid such as water, milk, or broth to the grits. This will help keep them moist during reheating.
• Cover the dish tightly with foil and place it in the oven.
• Allow the grits to warm for about 8-10 minutes, then check the texture and add more liquid if needed.
• Continue reheating for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until completely warmed through.
• Remove the grits from the oven when hot and keep covered until ready to serve.

Tips for Reheating Grits:

• Stir the grits frequently during reheating to prevent scorching and distribute heat evenly.
• Adding a splash of milk, broth, or cream after reheating can add moisture and enhance the creaminess of the grits.
• Cheese, butter, crumbled bacon, sausage, and sautéed vegetables are great toppings to consider when reheating grits.
• Portion the grits into individual servings before refrigerating, so you can easily reheat single portions as needed.
• Reheated grits will stay warm for about 10-15 minutes before cooling, so it's best to eat them immediately.

Grits and polenta: what's the difference?

While grits and polenta are both made from ground corn, there are some differences between the two.

Firstly, they are made from different types of corn. Polenta is usually made from yellow corn, whereas grits are typically made from white corn (or hominy). This difference in corn type affects the colour of the final product, but it also impacts the texture. Polenta tends to have a flakier, coarser grind, leading to a chewier texture, while grits are finer and smoother.

Secondly, polenta and grits are produced differently. Polenta is often milled multiple times, resulting in a consistently finer texture. On the other hand, grits are usually only milled once, giving them a coarser texture with less uniformity.

Despite these differences, polenta and grits can often be used interchangeably in recipes, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably too. However, it's important to note that instant or quick-cooking versions of both products are highly processed and should be avoided, as they can result in a slimy, mushy texture.

Frequently asked questions