Best 3 Basic Old Fashioned Grits Recipes

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In the realm of breakfast and Southern cuisine, few dishes evoke a sense of nostalgia quite like basic old fashioned grits. These creamy, hearty grains have been a staple of American kitchens for centuries, cherished for their versatility and comforting taste. Whether you prefer them savory or sweet, creamy or chunky, grits offer a blank canvas for a variety of toppings and flavor combinations. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a classic grits dish that will warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SLOW-COOKER GRITS



Slow-Cooker Grits image

Since moving to the South, I have come to love grits! I also love my slow cooker, and I worked to find a way to make perfect grits without stirring on the stovetop. I knew this slow-cooker grits recipe was a winner when my mother-in-law overheard someone at a church potluck say that "it just wasn't right that a Midwesterner could make such good grits!" —Tacy Fleury, Clinton, South Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Breakfast     Brunch     Side Dishes

Time 2h40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

2-2/3 cups water
1-1/2 cups uncooked old-fashioned grits
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
3 tablespoons butter, cubed
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Combine the first 6 ingredients in a greased 3-qt. slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low until liquid is absorbed and grits are tender, 2-1/2 - 3 hours, stirring every 45 minutes. Stir in cheeses until melted. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334 calories, Fat 15g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 755mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

OLD CHARLESTON STYLE SHRIMP AND GRITS



Old Charleston Style Shrimp and Grits image

Great recipe for shrimp and grits.

Provided by berskine

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Grits

Time 1h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 20

3 cups water
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup coarsely ground grits
2 cups half-and-half
2 pounds uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
salt to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 lemon, juiced
1 pound andouille sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
5 slices bacon
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Bring water and 2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk grits into the boiling water, and then whisk in half-and-half. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until grits are thickened and tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.
  • Sprinkle shrimp with salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Add lemon juice, toss to combine, and set aside to marinate.
  • Place sausage slices in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet.
  • Add bacon to the same skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Cook until evenly browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain, then chop or crumble when cool enough to handle. Leave bacon drippings in the skillet.
  • Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the bacon drippings; cook and stir until onion is translucent, about 8 minutes.
  • Stir cooked sausage and marinated shrimp into the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Turn off the heat and set aside.
  • Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour, stirring to create a smooth roux. Turn heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is golden brown in color, 8 to 10 minutes. Watch carefully, mixture burns easily.
  • Pour the roux over the sausage, shrimp, and vegetables. Place the skillet over medium heat, add chicken broth, bacon, and Worcestershire sauce, and stir to combine. Cook until sauce thickens up and shrimp turn opaque and bright pink, about 8 minutes.
  • Just before serving, mix sharp Cheddar cheese into grits until melted and grits are creamy and light yellow. Serve shrimp mixture over cheese grits.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 617.7 calories, Carbohydrate 16.2 g, Cholesterol 269.8 mg, Fat 43.7 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 38.6 g, SaturatedFat 19.5 g, Sodium 1634.8 mg, Sugar 2.7 g

CHEESY GRITS



Cheesy Grits image

As a comfy side dish, cheese grits have fantastic potential but sometimes need a flavor boost. For add-ins, try red pepper flakes, fresh rosemary or crushed garlic. -Paula Hughes, Birmingham, Alabama

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups 2% milk
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup uncooked old-fashioned grits
2 to 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Pepper and additional salt to taste

Steps:

  • Combine milk, broth and water in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Add salt. Whisk in grits; reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, until creamy, 15-20 minutes., Stir in cheese until melted. Season with pepper and additional salt to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 629mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

### Tips for Basic Old-Fashioned Grits: - **Choose the Right Grits**: Select stone-ground grits for a more authentic, flavorful texture. Quick-cooking grits can be used for a faster option. - **Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot**: This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents grits from sticking or scorching. - **Measure Accurately**: Follow the recipe's measurements precisely for the perfect consistency. - **Bring Water to a Boil First**: Boiling water helps create a more even cooking environment for the grits. - **Salt the Water**: Adding salt to the boiling water enhances the flavor of the grits. - **Stir Continuously**: Stirring prevents lumps from forming and ensures the grits cook evenly. - **Simmer Gently**: Reduce heat to low and simmer the grits for the recommended time, stirring occasionally. - **Add Butter or Cream**: Incorporating butter or cream adds richness and creaminess to the grits. - **Season to Taste**: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. - **Serve Immediately**: Grits are best enjoyed hot and fresh. ### Conclusion: Creating perfect basic old-fashioned grits is a culinary art that requires careful attention to detail and a few simple techniques. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can achieve creamy, flavorful grits that will satisfy your taste buds and transport you back to simpler times. Experiment with different toppings and additions to find your favorite combinations, and enjoy this classic Southern dish as part of a hearty breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt doesn't turn out exactly as expected. With patience and a bit of culinary exploration, you'll soon be a master of this timeless Southern staple.

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