Get ready to dig into the comfort of the South with these 18 creamy grits recipes that’ll make your taste buds do the Texas two-step! Whether you’re a native Southerner or just a fan of rich, comforting cuisine, these dishes are sure to become new favorites. From classic cheesy garlic shrimp and grits to innovative twists like jalapeño cornbread grits and blackened catfish over creamy grits, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
In the South, grits are more than just a side dish – they’re a staple of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And when you add creamy ingredients like cheese, butter, and cream, you get a dish that’s both decadent and down-home. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the South, highlighting some of our favorite recipes that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of grits.
So grab your apron, fire up your stovetop or slow cooker, and get ready to indulge in the creamy goodness of these Southern-style grits recipes!
Cheesy Garlic Shrimp and Grits
This creamy, cheesy shrimp and grits recipe is an ode to the Lowcountry’s comfort food scene. With succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, served atop creamy stone-ground grits, this dish will become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (divided)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the grits according to package instructions using 4 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet, leaving the garlic butter sauce behind.
5. Stir in 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese to thicken the sauce.
6. Combine cooked grits with remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve the shrimp atop the cheesy grits, garnished with fresh parsley or scallions.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Southern-Style Buttery Grits
Start your day with a creamy and comforting bowl of Southern-style buttery grits, infused with the rich flavors of the South. This classic recipe is a staple in many Southern households and is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: cheese, bacon bits, or chopped scallions for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until the grits are creamy and tender.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with optional cheese, bacon bits, or chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Spicy Cajun Grits with Andouille Sausage
Get ready for a flavorful breakfast twist! This Spicy Cajun Grits recipe combines creamy grits, spicy sausage, and savory spices to create a hearty morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low.
2. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the grits are creamy and tender, stirring occasionally.
3. In a large skillet, cook the Andouille sausage over medium-high heat until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the cayenne pepper and paprika to the sausage; stir to combine.
5. Stir the cooked sausage into the grits and season with salt and black pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Creamy Parmesan Grits with Mushrooms
Savor the rich flavors of creamy grits infused with sautéed mushrooms and parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until creamy.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the cooked grits and mushroom mixture. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Bacon and Cheddar Grits Casserole
A creamy, cheesy, and smoky twist on classic grits, perfect for brunch or breakfast gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the grits and water to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until thickened.
3. Stir in butter, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the grit mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Savory Grits with Fried Eggs and Hot Sauce
A comforting breakfast or brunch dish that combines creamy grits, savory eggs, and a kick of hot sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who like a little spice in their morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, or crumbled bacon for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the grits have thickened.
2. While the grits cook, melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Crack in the eggs and cook until the whites are set and yolks are still slightly runny.
3. Stir the hot sauce into the cooked grits. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. To assemble, place the fried eggs on top of the savory grits and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Maple Brown Sugar Grits with Pecans
Start your day off right with these creamy, sweet, and nutty grits. Perfect for a chilly morning or as a special brunch treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the grits are creamy.
2. Stir in the maple syrup, brown sugar, and salt. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the melted butter and chopped pecans.
4. If desired, add heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped pecans if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Loaded Grits with Pulled Pork and BBQ Sauce
This Southern-inspired dish combines creamy grits, tender pulled pork, and tangy BBQ sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for brunch or dinner, these loaded grits are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup pulled pork (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions and additional BBQ sauce for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil, then gradually whisk in the grits. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until creamy.
2. Stir in the butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add the pulled pork and stir until heated through.
4. Stir in the BBQ sauce until well combined.
5. Top the grits with shredded cheddar cheese and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Herbed Goat Cheese Grits
Elevate your breakfast or brunch game with this rich and creamy dish that combines the comforting warmth of grits with the tanginess of goat cheese and fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water or milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Bring the water or milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the grits are creamy and tender, about 20-25 minutes.
2. Stir in the butter until melted. Add the goat cheese, garlic, and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Grits with Collard Greens and Ham Hock
This Southern-inspired dish combines the comforting warmth of grits with the savory goodness of collard greens and a smoky ham hock. Perfect for a chilly evening or a hearty brunch, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound collard greens, stems removed and discarded, leaves chopped
– 1 ham hock (about 2 pounds)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: grated cheddar cheese for serving
Instructions:
1. Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Gradually whisk in grits and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. In a large skillet, cook chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened. Add collard greens and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove ham hock from pot and let cool. Once cool enough to handle, strip meat from bone and chop into bite-sized pieces. Return ham hock stock to the grits pot and stir in butter, chopped onion mixture, and cooked ham. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, topped with grated cheddar cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Jalapeño Cornbread Grits
Elevate your breakfast game with these creamy, spicy, and savory grits infused with the warmth of jalapeños and sweetness of cornbread.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until creamy.
2. Stir in the butter, cheese, cilantro, jalapeño, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Grits and Greens with Poached Eggs
A classic Southern breakfast dish that combines creamy grits with sautéed greens and topped with poached eggs. This hearty breakfast is perfect for a lazy Sunday morning.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as collard, mustard, and turnip)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 eggs
Instructions:
1. Bring the grits and water or broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until thickened.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the mixed greens to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Poach eggs by cracking them into a pot of simmering water. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until cooked to desired doneness.
5. To serve, divide the grits among four plates, top with the greens mixture, and place a poached egg on top.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Tomato Basil Grits with Feta Cheese
A classic Southern comfort dish gets a flavorful twist with the addition of fresh tomatoes, basil, and crumbly feta cheese. This creamy, savory grits recipe is perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium tomato, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/2 cup grated feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, for about 20-25 minutes or until creamy.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced tomato and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in chopped basil and cooked grits. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Top the grits mixture with crumbled feta cheese and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Potato Grits with Cinnamon Butter
Start your day off right with this creamy, sweet, and savory twist on traditional grits. Sweet potatoes add a boost of beta-carotene and a subtle sweetness to these comforting breakfast bowls.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup stone-ground white cornmeal (stone-ground for best results)
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal and reduce heat to low.
2. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until thickened to your liking. Stir in the mashed sweet potatoes, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and heavy cream (if using). Season with nutmeg to taste.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grits Soufflé with Gruyère Cheese
A creamy, cheesy twist on traditional grits, this soufflé is perfect for a special occasion or brunch gathering. With its light and airy texture, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the grits and milk to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in Gruyère cheese until melted.
5. Butter a 1-quart soufflé dish and pour in the grits mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Blackened Catfish over Creamy Grits
Blackened catfish paired with creamy grits makes for a Southern-inspired treat that’s sure to satisfy. This recipe combines the bold flavors of New Orleans with the comforting warmth of homemade grits.
Ingredients:
– 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each catfish fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add catfish and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until blackened.
5. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While catfish cooks, prepare grits by bringing heavy cream and grits to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until creamy. Stir in grated cheddar cheese (if using).
7. Serve blackened catfish over creamy grits.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grits Pudding with Vanilla and Berries
This creamy pudding combines the comforting warmth of grits with the sweetness of vanilla and fresh berries. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the grits and milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the grits are creamy and tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. Fold in the mixed berries.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the pudding has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Serve warm or chilled.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chorizo and Grits Stuffed Peppers
This recipe combines the comforting warmth of grits with the bold flavor of chorizo, all wrapped up in a crunchy pepper package. Perfect for a unique twist on a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1/2 cup cooked grits
– 1/2 cup cooked chorizo sausage, crumbled
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers, removing seeds and membranes. Place in a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked grits, chorizo sausage, and cheese.
4. Stuff each pepper with the grits mixture, dividing it evenly among the four peppers.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the creamy goodness of grits with these 18 mouthwatering recipes that showcase Southern flair! From cheesy shrimp and garlic to spicy Cajun sausage, there’s something for every taste bud. Discover classic comfort dishes like buttery grits and savory eggs, as well as innovative twists like maple brown sugar grits with pecans or loaded grits with pulled pork and BBQ sauce. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or smoky, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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