
Grits are a Southern specialty, often served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. They are made from corn and have a porridge-like consistency. While grits are iconic in Southern cuisine, they are often served with shrimp, there are many other options to pair with them. Cheese grits, in particular, are a hearty and versatile dish that can be served at any meal and can be paired with a variety of foods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Dish | Pork chops, shrimp, scallops, eggs, sausage, chicken, ham |
| Cheese | Cheddar, fontina, Parmesan, pepper jack, Mexican cheese |
| Seasoning | Cajun, Creole, red pepper flakes, fresh rosemary, garlic |
| Side Dish | Ricotta, green beans, potatoes, bacon, sausage, 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, biscuits, gravy |
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Sausage and potatoes
Ingredients:
- Potatoes
- Sausage
- Onion
- Butter
- Cheddar Cheese
Instructions:
- Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer until they are tender. This should take around 8-10 minutes.
- While the potatoes are cooking, crumble the sausage into a large skillet and add chopped onions. Cook over medium heat until the sausage is no longer pink. Drain the grease if needed.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and arrange them in an ungreased baking dish.
- Drizzle melted butter over the potatoes.
- Add the cooked sausage and onion mixture to the potatoes and gently stir to combine.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the sausage and potato mixture.
- Bake the dish in the oven at 350° Fahrenheit until the cheese is melted and bubbly, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
You can serve this cheesy sausage potato dish alongside cheese grits for a delicious and hearty meal. The cheese and potatoes pair well with the creamy texture of the cheese grits, while the sausage adds a savoury and spicy element to the dish.
Additionally, if you want to incorporate sausage directly into your cheese grits, you can try a recipe for sausage cheese grits. This recipe includes cooking sausage in a skillet until crumbly and browned, then combining it with cooked grits, cheese, butter, hot pepper sauce, and eggs. The mixture is then baked in a casserole dish until golden brown.
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Scrambled eggs
Grits are a corn-based porridge-like staple in Southern cuisine, often served with shrimp. However, grits are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of other foods. A classic combination is cheese grits, which can be made with cheddar, fontina, or Parmesan cheese.
One popular dish that incorporates cheese grits is scrambled eggs. Here is a guide on how to make fluffy and delicious scrambled eggs to serve with your cheese grits:
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Milk, cream, or water
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: shredded cheese or minced fresh herbs
Method:
- Break the eggs into a bowl and add a splash of milk, cream, or water. Whisk the mixture.
- Melt butter in a preheated non-stick pan over low heat.
- Pour the egg mixture into the pan and cook, stirring and scraping frequently, until the eggs are soft but set.
- Once the eggs are mostly cooked but still have a little liquid, remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in shredded cheese or minced herbs, if using. The residual heat will continue to cook the eggs.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best results.
- Be patient! Scrambled eggs should not be rushed or left unattended.
- Plan what you will serve with the scrambled eggs in advance, as they should be eaten while still warm.
Cheese grits and scrambled eggs make a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy experimenting with different types of cheese and herbs to find your favourite flavour combinations!
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Scallops
To prepare the scallops, start by patting them dry and sprinkling them with salt. Then, heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Coat the scallops with a mixture of flour, Cajun seasoning, and paprika, and then dip them in butter before adding them to the skillet. Cook the scallops for about 3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and opaque.
For the cheese grits, bring milk, water, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the cornmeal and garlic and mix until incorporated. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring regularly, until the mixture is creamy and almost all the liquid has been absorbed, which should take about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and mix in the cheese.
To serve, spoon the cheese grits into desired serving bowls and top with the seared scallops. You can garnish the dish with chopped chives and micro arugula.
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Pulled pork
Choosing the Right Grits
If you're short on time, instant or quick grits will do the trick, but stone-ground grits are a great option if you're looking for a heartier texture.
Preparing the Grits
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add salt, cayenne pepper, and butter to taste. Gradually whisk in your grits to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce the heat and simmer for around 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a thicker consistency, cook for a little longer. Once you're happy with the consistency, stir in butter, cheese, salt, and pepper. Remove from the heat and keep covered.
Preparing the Pulled Pork
If you're using leftover pulled pork, heat it in the oven, covered in foil. You can spice up your pulled pork with a chipotle paste or BBQ sauce to add some extra flavour.
Serving
Serve the pulled pork over the cheesy grits. You can garnish with chopped spring onions, a drizzle of olive oil, and some cracked black pepper. If you're feeling adventurous, add a splash of hot sauce.
Variations
Cheese grits and pulled pork is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste. Here are some variations to consider:
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, fontina, or parmesan, to find the flavour that suits you best.
- Try using polenta instead of grits for a smoother texture.
- If you're not a fan of pulled pork, consider using leftover BBQ pork ribs or chicken instead.
Grits and pulled pork is a delicious and hearty combination that is sure to impress. With a little creativity, you can make this dish your own and enjoy a tasty treat that satisfies your cravings.
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Sauteed mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms are a great pairing with cheese grits. Here is a recipe for goat cheese grits with crispy mushrooms, which can be served as a base for a fried egg for breakfast or sautéed shrimp for dinner.
Firstly, prepare the mushrooms. Clean them with a brush or paper towel and remove the stems. Cut the mushrooms into 1-inch pieces or slice them to your desired size. Next, heat a dry frying pan over medium-high heat and add the mushrooms. Allow the mushrooms to release their moisture and cook until they begin to brown, this should take around 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and continue to cook for about 5 more minutes until all the liquid has evaporated.
Now, prepare the grits. In a large saucepan, combine chicken stock, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil. While stirring, gradually add the grits a little at a time until combined without any lumps. Turn the heat down to low, cover the pan, and let the grits cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. After 15 minutes, add the goat cheese to the grits and stir to combine. Turn off the heat and keep covered until ready to serve.
Finally, assemble the dish. Serve the grits in shallow bowls and top with the crispy mushrooms. You can also sprinkle with fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, basil, or thyme for added flavour.
This recipe provides a delicious combination of creamy, cheesy grits and crispy, sautéed mushrooms. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Some side dishes that go well with cheese grits include sausage and potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoked cod, pulled pork, coconut shrimp, sauteed mushrooms, grilled asparagus, and fried green tomatoes.
Cheese grits can be a side dish or a main dish with the addition of proteins like shrimp, scallops, pork chops, or fried chicken.
To add flavor to cheese grits, you can include spices like red pepper flakes, fresh rosemary, or garlic. You can also add cheese like cheddar, fontina, or parmesan.

























