Southern Style Cheese Grits
Cheese Grits are a southern favorite. They are great for breakfast, in a casserole, as a snack, or side dish. Southern Style Cheese Grits are loaded with cream cheese, shredded cheese, and butter. If you have never tried grits before, then you are in for a real treat.
Many people in the south grew up eating grits for breakfast with eggs, bacon, and biscuits. Grits were considered a staple in many houses. I began eating grits at an early age. A bowl of grits with butter, salt, and pepper was a great way to start the day.
My family fell in love with Rotel and grits many years ago during the holiday season. We took leftover Rotel dip from a party and topped our breakfast grits on a whim. If you are a fan of Rotel and grits, check out Cheesy Rotel Grits recipe. It feeds a crowd and is Amazing!
Grits are fantastic when used as a base for a meal, such as shrimp and grits. Tomato Gravy is fantastic served over a big bowl of grits. You can’t go wrong with a good cheese grits recipe.
What are Grits?
What Are Grits? Short version– grits are basically ground corn cooked in a liquid such as milk, chicken broth, or water. They are popular in the south and easy to find in grocery stores. They are mostly served for breakfast but can be found on dinner menus as well.
Types of Grits:
Instant Grits–The fastest way to cook grits is to use Instant Grits. These usually take about a minute to cook. They are good when in a rush and are fine for a quick breakfast or snack.
Quick Grits— I like Quick Grits. They usually cook for about 5-7 minutes. However, they require more liquid than instant grits.
Stone Ground Grits— Stone Ground Grits are harder to find in the grocery store. They require more time to cook. Stone Ground Grits usually need at least 30 minutes to cook.
How to Make the Best Creamy Cheese Grits
Most of the time, I use quick grits. This is because they cook fast, and they are good.
For this Cheese Grits recipe, I used milk and chicken broth as my liquids. In my opinion, grits don’t have any flavor; therefore, I add flavor by boiling the grits in milk and chicken broth and adding cheese at the end.
Once I add my grits to the boiling liquid, I whisk them to ensure they aren’t lumpy. I then add a lid to the pot and reduce the heat. I allow the grits to cook for 5-7 minutes on a simmer.
After the grits have cooked, I add my cheeses.
These are some seriously delicious grits.
They are very filling and can undoubtedly be served alone or as a side dish. Be sure to add lots of butter, salt, and pepper for some incredible eating.
What Should Grits Look Like When Cooked?
Cooked grits are thick and smooth. Many people add salt, pepper, and butter to their grits. I added cream cheese and shredded cheese to this recipe, making this dish creamy, smooth, and tasty.
Where Do I Buy Grits?
Most grocery stores in the south sell grits. However, if you do not have grits in your grocery store or at your market, you can certainly order them online. They are sold in bags or boxes. They are very inexpensive and usually cost under $5 for a package.
Tips, Tricks, and Variations for Making Grits
Use milk and chicken broth for your boiling liquid. This will give the grits some flavor.
As soon as you add your grits to the pot, whisk. This will ensure you don’t have lumps in your grits. No one likes lumpy grits.
Follow package instructions on making grits.
Add your favorite cheeses to the grits.
Watch closely, so you do not burn or overcook your grits.
Grits will pop when cooking. Make sure you add a lid to your pot and carefully remove it to stir. Cook on a low simmer.
How to Store Leftover Grits
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an air-tight container. Grits will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. Then, reheat when ready to eat again.
How to Reheat Leftover Grits
Leftover grits tend to get a little stiff. To reheat grits, add a little milk, water, or chicken broth to the grits, stir, and then reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Add enough liquid to make the grits creamy and smooth.
What Should I Serve with Cheese Grits?
Cheese grits are great on their own with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper. But they are also served alongside homemade biscuits and tomato gravy. I personally like to serve them as a side dish to many foods. Some of my favorites are:
For more Grits Topping ideas, be sure to check out this link. It has great suggestions for setting up a grits bar.
Southern Style Cheese Grits
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Quick 5 Minute Grits
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 block cream cheese (4oz) cut into small pieces, room temp
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk, broth, and salt and bring to a boil.
- Whisk in grits. Stir to mix well and cover with a lid. Reduce heat to a low simmer—Cook grits for 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Follow package instructions. Turn off heat and remove.
- Stir in butter, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Mix well. Serve warm.
You cannot beat cheese grits! We make them often but I will have to try your recipe next
These grits were so delicious! I loved the Southern flavor that just exuded from them. They were so cheesy and yummy, will be making again!
One of my favorite dish, Grits. I love the combination of all your cheeses. I am sure your recipe will soon become our house favorite
I didn’t know you can makes these at home! Thanks for sharing 🙂
This is delicious! Such good comfort food and I love the use of sharp cheddar cheese. Yum!
Total comfort food! So creamy and delicious.
Another winning recipe! We’re going to have these dreamy, creamy cheese grits for brunch this weekend! (Love the idea of a grits bar!)
Love these cheesy grits! Reminds me of my time spent in the South!
Oh Yum! Thanks for the great easy to follow recipe. This looks so creamy and delicious.
This looks like a perfect side dish for tomorrow’s lunch. It looks so yummy!
I grew up eating grits but haven’t made them much myself, but this recipe looks like one I can handle. It sounds so good right now!
I’ve never tried this before but this looks so good… would love to make it soon
Even though I lived in TX and TN for years, I’ve never tried grits. I bet they are delicious, especially with butter and cheese!
This northern girl loves her southern grits especially when they’re creamy and cheesy like these!
Can you use regular grits instead of the quick version? Also, if I’m doubling the recipe for a larger office gathering, are all ingredients doubled? Finally, if making it as a casserole, do you have to bake it too?
Hi Doyle, Thanks for the questions. There are several types of grits and they all require different amounts of liquid. The best advice I can offer– follow the package directions for the type of grits you decide to cook. Not only will the liquid need to be adjusted the time will also vary. As far as turning this into a casserole– you will need to add more liquid, and eggs as a binder. I have not made this recipe as a casserole, so I can not advise. I would love to hear from you if you decide to make adjustments.
How many servings does this make?
Hi Jacob,
So sorry I did not include this info in the recipe card. I’ll fix that now. This recipe makes 4-6 servings of grits (depending on the amount of each serving). If you are looking for a recipe to feed a crowd, try my Cheesy Rotel Grits. Thanks for the comment.