Get the best of Southern comfort with these Creamy Cheese Grits—rich, cheesy, and ready in 15 minutes. A simple dish that’ll have your family coming back for seconds.
Grits are made from ground corn, typically from less sweet, starchy varieties often referred to as dent corn. They are similar to oatmeal or porridge.
The cheesiest, creamiest grits can be made with all cheddar, grated Parmesan, or even soft, crumbled goat cheese, depending on how you’re planning to serve them. For these creamy grits recipe, I used both cheddar and Parmesan for added depth of flavor.
Serve up creamy grits alongside Oven Baked BBQ Ribs, Instant Pot Beef Brisket, or Crispy Cornflake Chicken Tenders. Cheese grits stir shredded cheddar and Parmesan into smooth, creamy grits for the most incredibly creamy, cheesy grits ever!
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love These Grits
- Cheese grits offer a comforting, cozy flavor that makes them feel like a warm embrace in every bite.
- These creamy Cheese Grits are a versatile meal and they’re perfect as a side dish or a savory breakfast or brunch, they’re an excellent addition to any meal.
- Their cheesy goodness is irresistible, making it hard to stop at just one serving.
Recipe Ingredients
- Cheddar Cheese: Offers a rich, sharp flavor and creamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty and salty flavor with a firm texture, bringing a subtle umami depth.
- Half-and-Half: Blends water and cream for a luscious, creamy base that makes the grits extra smooth and velvety.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Meat Alternatives: For meat lovers, classic breakfast meats like sausage, bacon, and ham add savory flavors. Diced chicken or leftover steak gives a protein-packed twist, while shrimp pairs exceptionally well with creamy grits.
- Topping Options: For additional toppings, substitute mild cheddar with any melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Swiss, Colby, Provolone, or extra sharp cheddar cheese. Add feta, blue, or cream cheese for extra creaminess. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives bring brightness. Sprinkle toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch, or add crispy fried onions or garlic for texture. For a southwestern twist, top with fresh Pico de Gallo or salsa.
- Vegetable Medley: Include vegetables like red peppers, green onions, and caramelized onions to add a burst of flavor and color to your grits. Mushrooms, zucchini, roasted tomatoes, spinach, or kale can be sautéed and mixed in to enhance the flavor and create a delicious, plant-based version.
How to Make Creamy Cheese Grits
Step 1: Add water, half and half, and salt to a pot and bring to a boil.
Step 2: As soon as it starts to boil, slowly add the grits while constantly whisking.
Step 3: Turn the heat down to low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir several times to prevent the grits from sticking to the bottom of the pot until it has thickened but has some moisture left.
Step 4: Turn off the heat. Stir in the cheddar, Parmesan, butter, and pepper until everything is melted and smooth.
Step 5: Adjust the salt if needed.
Step 6: It will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve warm.
Expert Tips
- Adjust Cooking Time for Stone-Ground Grits: If using stone-ground grits instead of quick-cooking grits, follow the cooking directions on the package since they require longer cooking and a different liquid ratio. Add cheese and butter afterward as per this recipe.
- Adjust Consistency: If your grits are thicker than desired, add another ¼-½ cup of water and stir. Remember, they’ll continue to thicken as they cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapenos, hot sauce, smoked paprika, or even cayenne pepper. These ingredients will give your grits a flavorful heat to suit your taste.
For smooth, lump-free grits, gradually add them to boiling liquid while whisking continuously. This will prevent lumps from forming.
Storage Info
To STORE cheese grits, let them cool before transferring to an airtight container and placing them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can FREEZE the grits for up to a month.
To REHEAT, add a splash of milk or water, and gently warm on the stove over low heat while stirring. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
More Side Dishes to Love
Creamy Cheese Grits Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cup water
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup quick grits
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese - room temperature
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese - room temperature
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add water, half and half, and salt to a pot and bring to a boil.
- As soon as it starts to boil, slowly add the grits while constantly whisking.
- Turn the heat down to low, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir several times to prevent the grits from sticking to the bottom of the pot until it has thickened but has some moisture left.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the cheddar, Parmesan, butter, and pepper until everything is melted and smooth.
- Adjust the salt if needed.
- It will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve warm.
So creamy and comforting, I could eat this for breakfast and dinner!