The Ultimate Creamy Southern Cheese Grits Recipe
Make rich, creamy Southern cheese grits using sharp cheddar and heavy cream. This recipe delivers authentic flavor and a smooth texture, perfect for breakfast or as a savory side dish.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Combine water or broth, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a medium saucepan. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low immediately.
- Simmer, stirring frequently to keep the grits from sticking, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the grits are thick and tender. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of water or milk.
- Stir in the heavy cream and butter until fully incorporated.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the grits are smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed before serving immediately.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use stone-ground grits instead of quick-cooking varieties.
- Using chicken broth instead of water adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- This recipe serves as an excellent base for shrimp and grits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 75