Andy Montoya
Cheese grits are a versatile dish that can be served at any meal. They are a specialty in the South and are often served with shrimp, sausage, and eggs. For those who enjoy seafood, cheese grits can be paired with scallops, which offer a salty, buttery texture. Sausage and potatoes are another classic combination that adds a spicy kick to the creamy cheese grits. For breakfast, cheese grits can be served with scrambled eggs, while smoked cod adds an exciting smoky flavor dimension to the dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Side dish |
| Common Pairings | Sausage, eggs, shrimp, scallops, bacon, beans, sausage gravy, ham, butter, hot sauce, Italian sausage, peppers, onions, fried egg, curry, vegetables, chorizo, red pepper flakes, fresh rosemary, garlic, pulled pork, smoked cod, coconut shrimp, egg bites, sauteed mushrooms, grilled asparagus, fried green tomatoes, cornbread, spinach salad, fried chicken, roasted Brussels sprouts, collard greens, ricotta, potatoes |
| Cheese Types | Cheddar, fontina, Parmesan, pepper jack, Mexican cheese |
| Meal | Breakfast, brunch, dinner |
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What You'll Learn
Sausage, potatoes, and scrambled eggs
Ingredients:
- Sausage (links, patties, or your preferred type)
- Potatoes
- Eggs
- Yellow onions
- Green onions
- Cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or your choice)
- Cherry tomatoes (optional)
Instructions:
Start by browning the sausage in a skillet. You can use any type of sausage you like, from links to patties or even spicy options like chorizo. Chopping up the sausage adds texture and makes your dish more interesting.
Next, add in the potatoes and onions. You can use regular potatoes or go for a more flavourful option like Potatoes O'Brien. Stir the ingredients well to combine them.
Crack and beat the eggs, then pour them into the skillet with the sausage, potatoes, and onions. Scramble everything together until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.
Sprinkle in some shredded cheese, stirring it through the scramble. You can use cheddar, Parmesan, or any other cheese you prefer.
Finally, serve the scramble immediately. You can garnish it with cherry tomatoes, more cheese, and green onions for a fresh and colourful touch.
Variations and Tips:
Feel free to add other ingredients to this scramble, such as peppers or salsa. You can also serve the cheese grits on the side, or create a grits bar where guests can add their choice of toppings, including sausage, scrambled eggs, and various types of cheese.
For a more indulgent dish, stir in some butter and shredded cheese into the grits, and add a splash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different types of cheese in your grits, such as melty cheddar or fontina, or try shaving Parmesan over the top for an umami boost.
There you have it! A hearty and mouthwatering breakfast of sausage, potatoes, and scrambled eggs, perfectly complemented by creamy cheese grits.
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Seafood: shrimp, scallops, or smoked cod
Shrimp, scallops, and smoked cod are all great seafood options to serve with cheese grits.
Shrimp
Shrimp and grits is a classic pairing, especially in Southern cuisine. You can make this dish by simmering the grits in chicken stock and half-and-half, then stirring in grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese. For the shrimp, you can dry brine them with salt and baking soda to make them extra plump and tender. You can also add cornstarch to lightly thicken the sauce. The shrimp can be served on top of the creamy cheese grits with mushrooms, bacon, and herbs.
Scallops
Scallops and cheese grits is another great combination. The soft and buttery texture of scallops, along with their salty, ocean-y flavour, pairs well with the creaminess of the cheese grits. To prepare the scallops, sear them in a cast-iron skillet over high heat for about 90 seconds on each side until a nice brown crust forms. Serve the seared scallops on top of the cheese grits, garnished with chopped chives and micro arugula.
Smoked Cod
Smoked cod is a surprising yet delightful pairing with cheese grits. The smoky flavour of the cod adds an interesting dimension to the dish, while its flaky texture contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the grits. This pairing is a great way to incorporate some seafood into your meal while also enjoying the comfort of cheese grits.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère, which melts beautifully into the grits and adds a subtle earthy flavour. You can also try adding Cajun or Creole seasoning to build flavour and create a unique and indulgent meal.
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Vegetables: leeks, mushrooms, asparagus, or spinach
Cheese grits are a popular Southern dish, often served for breakfast. While grits are commonly paired with shrimp, there are several other ingredients that can be used to elevate the flavour of the dish. Vegetables like leeks, mushrooms, asparagus, and spinach can be added to cheese grits to make a delicious and healthy meal.
Leeks, belonging to the same family as onions and garlic, have a pungent flavour that can add an incredible amount of flavour to cheese grits. They can be sautéed and mixed with other vegetables like mushrooms and asparagus to make a tasty filling for a galette. Leeks can also be sliced thinly and used as a substitute for onions in a mushroom leek frittata.
Mushrooms are a great vegetarian alternative to shrimp in cheese grits. Meaty mushrooms like king oyster, shiitake, and maitake mushrooms can be seasoned with tomatoes, peppers, and a splash of cream to create a savoury and buttery dish. Mushrooms can also be served as a topping on a bowl of creamy cheese grits, along with a poached or fried egg and wilted spinach or other greens.
Asparagus can be the featured vegetable in a galette, with leeks and mushrooms adding extra meatiness and earthiness to the filling. The asparagus tips can be reserved and arranged on top of the galette for a beautiful presentation.
Spinach is a nutritious addition to cheese grits and can be wilted or added as a topping along with a poached egg. It can also be included in a frittata with leeks and mushrooms for extra heartiness.
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Meat: pulled pork, fried chicken, or bacon
Cheese grits are a popular dish in the Southern United States, where they are often served with shrimp. However, grits are a versatile dish and can be paired with a variety of other ingredients, including meat such as pulled pork, fried chicken, or bacon.
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork with cheesy grits is a delicious combination. You can spice up your pulled pork with chipotle paste and serve it with rich, buttery, cheesy grits. To make this dish, cook the grits or polenta in water, stirring regularly, until you reach your desired consistency. Then, add butter, cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until everything is melted and incorporated. Finally, heat your pulled pork in the oven, stirring in chipotle paste to taste, and serve it over the grits with a sprinkle of chopped spring onion and a drizzle of olive oil.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken with cheddar cheese grits is another mouth-watering option. To make the grits, heat milk in a medium pot over medium heat and whisk in butter. Then, whisk in the grits and continue whisking until the mixture thickens. Mix in cheese and stir until it is melted and blended. Fry the chicken in oil at around 365 degrees Fahrenheit in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through. Serve the fried chicken with the cheddar cheese grits.
Bacon
Bacon and cheese grits is a beloved combination in the South. To make this dish, cook the bacon until crisp, then remove it from the pan and drain on paper towels. Next, add water, stock, garlic powder, and pepper to the bacon drippings and bring to a boil. Cook the grits, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Then, add cheese and butter, stirring until melted. Finally, stir in milk and eggs, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, and sprinkle with bacon and shredded cheese. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Beans, cornbread, or biscuits
Beans are a great staple to keep in your pantry, as they are healthy, affordable, and filling. They also taste delicious when served with grits. You can make a tasty dish of cheddar-cheese grits with spicy black beans, served with peppers and tomatoes. This meal combines Southern and Southwestern ingredients. You can also add scallions, broth, and cayenne pepper to your beans for extra flavour.
Cornbread is a great breakfast option, and you can use leftover cornbread to make a delicious meal with cheese grits. You can also try a copycat recipe of the Creamy Dreamy White Cheddar Cheese Grits served at the Flying Biscuit Cafe. This recipe combines water, half-and-half, salt, white pepper, and cheese grits.
Biscuits are another breakfast option that goes well with cheese grits. You can also try a bite-sized appetizer, like Shrimp & Grits Bites.
You can experiment with different types of cheese in your grits, such as cheddar, fontina, Parmesan, gouda, or blue cheese. You can also add vinegar-based hot sauce for a kick of acid and heat.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several side dishes that can be served with cheese grits, including sausage and potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoked cod, pulled pork, coconut shrimp, sauteed mushrooms, grilled asparagus, fried green tomatoes, and spinach salad.
Cheese grits can be served with a variety of meats, such as Italian sausage, pork chops, fried chicken, and pulled pork.
Cheese grits can be combined with various ingredients to create unique flavour profiles. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or curry. For a more subtle flavour, try fresh rosemary or garlic. If you're feeling adventurous, pair cheese grits with scallops and Cajun or Creole seasoning for a depth of flavour.
