Discover the perfect comfort food with our quick and delicious cheese grits recipe. Dive into the heartwarming flavors of this classic Southern dish. Learn how to make cheesy grits that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1/ In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2/ Slowly whisk in 1 cup of quick-cooking grits, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the grits have thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3/ Once the grits are cooked and have a creamy texture, remove the saucepan from the heat.
4/ Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of butter, and 1/4 cup of milk into the cooked grits. Continue to stir until the cheese and butter are fully melted, and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5/ Season the cheese grits with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a little extra kick, if desired.
6/ Serve the cheese grits hot as a side dish. They pair well with breakfast items like eggs and bacon or as a comforting side for lunch or dinner.
Enjoy your delicious and easy cheese grits!
Tips and Tricks for Making Easy And Delicious Cheese Grits
Use Quick-Cooking Grits: Quick-cooking grits save you time and effort, making this dish even easier. They cook in just a few minutes, and their texture turns out creamy.
Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality cheddar cheese and fresh butter for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients can make a significant difference in the taste of your cheese grits.
Liquid Ratio: Follow the package instructions for the grits-to-liquid ratio. Typically, it’s 1 part grits to 4 parts liquid (water or a mixture of water and milk). Adjust the liquid to achieve your desired consistency.
Seasoning: Season the grits with salt and pepper to taste. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper garlic powder or other seasonings for extra flavor.
Cheese Variety: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
Butter for Creaminess: The butter not only adds a rich flavor but also contributes to the creamy texture. Don’t skimp on it, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
Stir Constantly: When cooking the grits, stir them constantly to prevent lumps and sticking. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Low and Slow: After adding the cheese, butter, and milk, keep the heat low and stir gently. Let everything melt together slowly, so the cheese doesn’t become grainy.
Customize Toppings: Customize your cheese grits with toppings like crumbled bacon, sautéed shrimp, green onions, or even a fried egg for a delicious twist.
Reheating: Grits can thicken when they cool down. To reheat, add a little extra liquid (water or milk) and gently warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave while stirring to restore their creaminess.
Serve Hot: Cheese grits are best when served hot. The heat helps the cheese stay melted and maintains the creamy consistency.
Make Ahead: If you want to prepare them in advance, you can cook the grits and add the cheese and other ingredients just before serving to ensure freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Easy Cheese Grits
Using the Wrong Grits: Using regular grits instead of quick-cooking grits can lead to a longer cooking time and a different texture. Stick to quick-cooking grits for a quicker and smoother result.
Not Stirring Constantly: Grits can easily stick to the bottom of the pot and form lumps if you don’t stir them continuously during cooking. Stirring is essential for a creamy consistency.
Adding Cheese Too Early: Adding cheese before the grits are fully cooked can result in a gritty or lumpy texture. Ensure the grits are cooked to a creamy consistency before adding cheese.
Using Cold Milk: If you add cold milk to the grits, it can cause the mixture to seize up or become lumpy. Warm the milk slightly before adding it to the grits for a smoother blend.
High Heat: Cooking grits over high heat can cause them to boil over or stick to the bottom of the pot. Keep the heat at a low to medium-low setting for a gentle simmer.
Not Seasoning Adequately: Grits can be bland if not seasoned properly. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste.
Using Too Much Liquid: Using too much liquid can result in runny grits. Follow the recommended grits-to-liquid ratio on the package, and adjust as needed to achieve your preferred consistency.
Skipping the Butter: Butter not only adds flavor but also contributes to the creamy texture of the grits. Don’t skip it or use too little.
Neglecting Cheese Selection: Not all cheeses melt the same way. Some cheeses can make the grits grainy or greasy if they aren’t suitable for melting. Stick to cheeses known for their melting properties, like cheddar.
Overcooking: Overcooking grits can make them overly thick and gummy. Cook them just until they reach a smooth and creamy consistency.
Serving Cold Grits: Cheese grits are at their best when served hot. If you let them cool down too much before serving, the cheese can become solid and the grits can harden.
Not Customizing: While cheese grits are delicious on their own, you can elevate them by adding toppings or complementary ingredients. Don’t be afraid to experiment and customize to your taste.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your cheese grits turn out perfectly creamy and flavorful every time.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for a typical serving (1 cup) of easy cheese grits are as follows:
- Calories: 190-220 kcal
- Total Fat: 8-10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4-6 grams
- Cholesterol: 15-30 mg
- Sodium: 400-500 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 1-2 grams
- Protein: 5-7 grams
Please note that the exact nutrition facts may vary depending on the specific brand and recipe used. These values provide a general idea of what to expect in a typical serving of cheese grits. If you have specific dietary requirements or are concerned about the nutritional content, it’s a good idea to check the packaging or the recipe you’re using for more accurate information.
