Easy Southern-Style Grits Recipe

Southern Grits is a creamy and comforting Southern dish. Today, we will make a simple yet flavorful version, mostly served in the morning for breakfast. Creamy grits topped with butter is a great way to start your morning. A smooth and luscious texture that pairs perfectly with any savory dish. 

The key to making perfect Creamy Southern Grits is in the preparation; it’s important to use the right amount of liquid, cook the grits slowly, and stir frequently to ensure a smooth consistency. 

With the right technique and a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying bowl of Creamy Grits that will warm your belly and your soul.

Grits go well with Smothered chicken, Old-fashioned beef stew, or Potato and green onion omelet.

❤️ WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Creamy texture: These grits are cooked low and slow with a generous amount of butter and cream, resulting in a velvety smooth texture that is irresistible.

Versatile side dish: While these grits are a classic Southern dish, they can be paired with various proteins and vegetables to make a complete meal.

Easy to make: With only a handful of ingredients and simple cooking techniques, this recipe is a breeze to make.

Family favorite: Grits are a staple in many Southern households, and this recipe will surely become a family favorite.

🥘 INGREDIENTS

Water: As the water boils, it will slowly incorporate with the grits and make them soft and fluffy. 

Milk: We’ll also be adding some milk to the grits mixture. The milk will add a creamy richness to the grits and make them more flavorful.

Grits: The grits will be the dish’s star and slowly cooked in the milk and water mixture. I have used quick grits to save time.

Butter: Finally, we’ll add unsalted butter to the grits mixture. The butter will add richness and creaminess to the grits, making them even more delicious.

🔪INSTRUCTIONS

Making Southern grits is incredibly easy. Let’s look at home to make it step by step:

Step 1:

To prepare the grits, add water and milk to a saucepan or skillet. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and, if you prefer, some black pepper. Allow the mixture to come to a boil.

Step 2:

Once the liquid starts boiling, add the grits while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking or stirring for two minutes.

Step 3:

Next, reduce the heat to medium-low to avoid burning the grits. Stir the mixture every two to three minutes to ensure the grits cook evenly. Allow it to simmer.

Step 4:

After cooking the grits for about 23 minutes, turn off the heat. Now, add a generous amount of butter to give the grits a rich flavor. Stir the grits and butter until the butter has melted and mixed well with the grits.

Step 5:

Finally, serve the grits hot and enjoy!

👩🏽‍🍳PRO TIPS

Stir Constantly: Grits tend to stick to the bottom of the pot, so it is essential to stir them frequently to prevent them from burning.

Add Butter at the End: Adding butter at the end of cooking ensures they melt evenly and prevent the grits from clumping.

Use Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Using chicken stock or vegetable broth instead of water adds flavor to the grits, making them taste more savory and delicious.

Use Heavy Cream: Add some heavy cream to your grits. It’ll add richness and creaminess.

Let Grits Rest Before Serving: Allowing the grits to rest for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together and creates a smoother texture.

🍽️HOW TO SERVE

1. Top with sautéed shrimp and sausage for a classic southern dish called shrimp and grits. The creaminess of the grits pairs perfectly with the spicy and savory flavors of the seafood and sausage.
2. Serve as a side dish with fried chicken or BBQ ribs. The grits provide a comforting and hearty base to balance out the rich and bold flavors of the meat.
3. Create a breakfast bowl by topping the grits with crispy bacon, a fried egg, and sliced avocado.
4. Use the grits as a base for a vegetarian bowl by topping with roasted vegetables, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
5. Make a grits bar for a brunch or dinner party by offering various toppings such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced scallions, crispy bacon, and hot sauce. Guests can create their own customizable bowls to their liking.

📋VARIATIONS

This creamy southern grits recipe is absolutely delicious, but if you’re looking to customize it, here are some ideas you can try: 

Cheese Grits: Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the grits mixture before cooking for a gooey and savory twist on the classic recipe.

Shrimp and Grits: Cook 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp in a separate pan with garlic, butter, and Cajun seasoning. Serve the cooked shrimp over a bowl of hot grits for a delicious and filling meal.

Bacon Grits: Cook 6-8 slices of bacon until crispy, then crumble and sprinkle on top of the cooked grits. The salty and smoky flavors of the bacon complement the creamy grits perfectly.

Jalapeno Grits: Add 2-3 diced jalapenos to the grits mixture for a spicy kick, and use chicken broth instead of water in the recipe. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for a cooling contrast.

Sweet Grits: Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar and one teaspoon of cinnamon to the grits mixture before cooking for a sweet and comforting breakfast or dessert. Top with chopped nuts or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

🌡️STORING

To store the leftovers, transfer the grits to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The grits will keep for up to four days. 

When you’re ready to eat, reheat the grits in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen it up if necessary. If you want to freeze the leftovers, you can do so for up to three months. 

However, keep in mind that grits tend to become grainy and lose their creamy texture when frozen and thawed. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the grits overnight in the fridge and then reheat them on the stove or in the microwave.

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⭐PLEASE RATE AND REVIEW

If you have tried this recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below with your experience!