Grits Recipe

Grits are a classic Southern comfort food — warm, creamy, and satisfying. Made from ground corn, they’re the perfect blank canvas for sweet or savory toppings, whether served at breakfast with butter and cheese or alongside shrimp for a hearty dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love how simple and versatile grits are to make. They’re naturally gluten-free, budget-friendly, and can be customized to your taste. Once you master the basic method, you can dress them up however you like — cheesy, garlicky, buttery, or even with a drizzle of honey for a sweet version.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Stone-ground grits (or quick-cooking grits if you prefer)
• Water or a mix of water and milk (for creamier grits)
• Salt
• Butter
• Optional: shredded cheese, cream, black pepper, or herbs for serving

Directions

this recipe

1. Bring water (or water and milk) to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent lumps.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy. This takes about 20-25 minutes for stone-ground grits or 5-7 minutes for quick-cooking grits.
4. Stir in butter and any desired add-ins like cheese or cream. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm with extra butter or toppings of your choice.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Prep time is 5 minutes, and cook time is 20-25 minutes for stone-ground grits (or 5-7 minutes for quick grits).

Variations

• Make cheesy grits: Stir in shredded cheddar, Gouda, or pepper jack.
• Add cooked shrimp and crispy bacon for shrimp and grits.
• For extra creaminess, cook grits with half-and-half or heavy cream.
• Make them sweet by adding a drizzle of honey, brown sugar, or fresh berries.
• Add sautéed garlic or herbs for savory flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk and warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. You can also reheat them in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

What are grits made from?

Grits are made from dried corn that’s ground into a coarse meal.

Are grits the same as polenta?

They’re similar, but polenta is typically made from yellow corn, while grits are usually white corn.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits have more texture and flavor.

How do I keep grits from being lumpy?

Whisk the grits into the liquid slowly and stir often while cooking.

What’s the best liquid for cooking grits?

A mix of water and milk makes them extra creamy.

Can I make vegan grits?

Yes! Use plant-based milk and vegan butter.

Are grits gluten-free?

Yes, as long as they’re processed in a gluten-free facility.

How do I make grits richer?

Add cheese, cream, or more butter.

Can I freeze grits?

It’s best to make fresh, but you can freeze them. Thaw and reheat with extra liquid.

What can I serve with grits?

Eggs, shrimp, sausage, or roasted veggies are all great options.

Conclusion

Grits are a classic dish that’s easy, comforting, and endlessly customizable. Whether you like them savory or sweet, they’re the ultimate Southern staple that always hits the spot. Try them once, and you’ll see why they’ve been beloved for generations!

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