Creamy, cheesy and delicous, cheese grits are one of my all time favorite sides.
Shredded cheddar and butter are stirred into smooth creamy grits for the best ever side dish.
A Perfect Side From Breakfast to Dinner
- Cheese grits are a tasty side dish, perfect for breakfast topped with a fried egg and some crumbled bacon or turned into shrimp and grits for dinner.
- Grits are easy to prepare and budget friendly.
- Season and spice them up to taste with pepper or different cheeses.
What Are Grits?
Grits have been enjoyed for hundreds of years. Originally, they were made by grinding corn, similar to hominy or maize, in a stone mill. Once ground, it was sifted through a screen where the finer bits were used as grit meal (or cornmeal), and the coarser pieces made up the grits.
They are a classic Southern dish – the ultimate comfort food. They’re rich, creamy, and so delicious!
Ingredients for Cheese Grits
Grits – This recipe uses regular grits that take about 15 to 20 minutes to cook; this can vary slightly by brand. There are different types of grits, so check your package. If using quick-cooking grits or stone ground, you will need to adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid according to the package.
Broth – I cook these grits in broth and water; the broth adds a little boost of flavor and some extra salt.
Cheese – Use sharp cheddar cheese over mild or medium for extra flavor. While I use just cheddar, you can stir in a bit of parmesan cheese if you’d like.
How to Prepare Cheese Grits
- Bring water, broth, and garlic to a boil.
- Add the grits and cook (as per the recipe below) until thickened.
- Remove from heat, and add cheese and butter until melted.
What to Serve with Cheese Grits
How to Make Fried Eggs
Homemade Breakfast Sausage
Did your family enjoy this Cheese Grits Recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below!
Cheese Grits
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water or milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup grits not instant or stone-ground
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup butter
- heavy cream optional
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, bring the water, chicken broth, garlic powder, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
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While whisking, slowly add the grits and salt. Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 18-20 minutes or thick and creamy (or follow the times listed on your grits package).
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Remove from the heat and stir in cheese and butter until melted. (Add a little bit of heavy cream if desired).
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
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I’ve never been a grits fan but my hubby has always loved them. What I found out is the brand makes a huge difference. I decided to order some Bob’s Red Mill grits and they are 100% better than what I’ve been buying for him. He gave a thumbs up and I tried them. I liked them much to my great surprise. As always, your recipe will take them to a happy place for me. I love the idea of using the chicken broth. Would one cup be enough if eating for breakfast? I don’t want them to taste like a dinner dish. Thanks!
You could opt for a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to have a less dinner like flavor. But I am so glad you are enjoying them :)
The texture was perfectly creamy, and the addition of cheese gave it a rich and savory flavor.
Thank you, Shaheen! I am so happy you enjoyed it.
Absolutely delicious! I will definitely be making this again!
could cream cheese b ok to use in cheese grits?
I’ve never tried cream cheese, but I’m sure it’d be delicious!
hello these cheese grits were wonderful. Made this morning with breakfast. I made biscuits and red eye gravy. I will have to try the gravy again not a fan yet. Love you site,.
Thank you so much Caren! That sounds like a delicious way to serve these Cheese Grits. Yum!
I don’t understand why you instruct not to use stone-ground grits. I like the recipe and that’s all I have on hand.
Stone-ground grits will require a longer time and a different ratio of liquid so if used in this recipe as directed, it may not turn out well. If you increase the cook time and the liquid, they will work just fine.
I love this grits so much. Wish I would have tried something like this long before now. Thank you, I will be adding new and different seasoning and herbs to grits now .
So happy you enjoyed it Phyllis! Have fun trying different seasonings :)