Grits Recipe
Get ready to welcome the ultimate comfort food to your table—grits. This Southern classic is a velvety, savory side dish that always seems to steal the show. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to its charms, grits delivers rich, satisfying flavor with just a handful of ingredients. Their warm, creamy texture is the perfect canvas for sweet or savory toppings, making them endlessly adaptable for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner side. With stone-ground grits as the star, this dish is more than just cornmeal—it’s a bowlful of pure Southern hospitality you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each one plays an important role in the final flavor and texture, so don’t skip or skimp on these foundational elements!
- Stone-ground grits: These old-fashioned grits have a rustic texture and deep corn flavor, far superior to instant versions.
- Water (or water and milk): Using all water keeps the flavor pure, but swapping in some milk or cream adds luxurious creaminess.
- Salt: Don’t underestimate the power of just a bit of salt—it’s essential to enhance the natural flavor of the grits.
- Butter: Stirred in at the end, butter transforms grits into something silky and irresistible.
How to Make Grits
Step 1: Boil the Liquid
Start by bringing your water (and milk or cream, if using) together with the salt in a medium saucepan. Get it to a lively boil—the perfect foundation for creamy grits starts right here. It goes faster than you’d think, so have your grits measured and ready to go.
Step 2: Whisk in the Grits
Slowly add the stone-ground grits, whisking constantly as you pour. This step is key for avoiding stubborn lumps and ensures that every grain cooks up perfectly smooth and even. After whisking for a minute or two, you’ll see the mixture begin to thicken.
Step 3: Simmer Low and Slow
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let your grits simmer. Take a peek and stir every few minutes—gentle, consistent heat is the secret to their signature creamy texture. In about 20 to 25 minutes, they should be thick, tender, and ready for the final touch.
Step 4: Finish With Butter
Just before serving, stir in the butter. This step brings everything together, giving the grits a luxurious finish. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve hot.
How to Serve Grits
Garnishes
The world of grits garnishes is nearly endless! Top yours with a pat of extra butter, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, fresh chopped herbs, or even a swirl of hot sauce for a little kick. For a sweet twist, try brown sugar, cinnamon, or berries—the base is creamy and versatile enough to go either way.
Side Dishes
Grits shine alongside all kinds of classic Southern favorites. Serve them with sautéed shrimp for a quick take on shrimp and grits, crispy bacon, eggs, collard greens, or roasted vegetables. They’re happy to play sidekick at any breakfast, brunch, or dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
Get adventurous with your presentation! Pour creamy grits into a bowl and top with roasted mushrooms and fresh thyme for a modern touch, or layer them with seasonal vegetables in individual ramekins for an impressive make-ahead brunch. You could even cool the grits, slice, and pan-fry them for a golden, crispy treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grits are never a waste. Simply spoon them into an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll keep well for up to 4 days. The texture may thicken as they chill, but this is nothing a splash of milk or water can’t fix.
Freezing
If you want to hang onto grits even longer, freezing is your friend. Pour cooled grits into a freezer-safe bag or container, lay flat, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, warm the grits gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of milk, water, or broth to loosen them back to creamy perfection. Stir until silky smooth—no one will ever guess they’re leftovers!
FAQs
Can I use instant or quick-cooking grits?
Absolutely! While stone-ground varieties have unbeatable flavor and texture, instant or quick-cooking grits are a good speedy alternative. Just be sure to adjust your liquid amount and cook time according to the package directions.
Why are my grits lumpy?
Lumps typically happen when the grits are added to the boiling liquid too quickly or aren’t whisked in right away. The key is to pour them in slowly while whisking constantly. If you do end up with lumps, a few extra moments of vigorous stirring can often smooth things out.
How can I make my grits creamier?
For a creamier result, substitute 1 to 2 cups of the cooking water with whole milk or even a splash of cream. Adding extra butter or a handful of shredded cheese also boosts that rich, silky mouthfeel.
Are grits gluten-free?
Yes, grits are naturally gluten-free since they’re made from corn. However, always check packaging to make sure they’re not processed in a facility that handles wheat if you have gluten sensitivities.
What savory toppings go well with grits?
The options are limitless! Classics like sautéed shrimp, crumbled bacon, spicy sausage, roasted veggies, or a fried egg all pair beautifully. Cheddar cheese and fresh scallions are also hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
If grits haven’t become a staple at your table yet, this is your gentle nudge to give them a try. With their comforting texture and endless versatility, they’re an invitation to get creative and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. There’s nothing quite like a warm, buttery bowl of grits to bring smiles to everyone you serve.
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Grits Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make classic Southern grits that are creamy, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water (or a mix of water and milk for creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Boil Water: In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil.
- Add Grits: Slowly whisk in the grits, reducing the heat to low. Stir continuously for the first few minutes to prevent lumps.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and tender.
- Finish: Stir in the butter just before serving. Serve hot, and top with your choice of savory or sweet additions.
Notes
- For creamier grits, substitute 1–2 cups of water with milk or heavy cream.
- You can also add shredded cheese, sautéed vegetables, or herbs for extra flavor.
- Cook time may vary depending on the type of grits—follow package instructions if using quick or instant grits.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
