Best 6 Simple Southern Grits Recipes

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Originating from Native American cuisine, grits have become a staple breakfast food in the Southern United States. Grits are made from coarsely ground dried corn and are typically cooked in boiling water or broth until thickened. They can be served plain or with various toppings such as butter, salt, pepper, cheese, gravy, or shrimp. Simple southern grits are a comfort food in the South and can be a delicious and satisfying breakfast or dinner.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

SOUTHERN GRITS



Southern Grits image

Hubby says these grits are fit for a Southern Tea Room. No higher compliment than that! It is not a mistake to use quick cooking grits, and cook them for almost half an hour. These grits have body!

Provided by Connie K

Categories     Breakfast

Time 35m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 cups water
1 1/4 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick-cooking grits, not instant (I use Quaker)
1/4 cup butter

Steps:

  • In a small pot, bring water, milk, and salt to a boil.
  • Slowly stir grits into boiling mixture.
  • Stir continuously and thoroughly until grits are well mixed.
  • Let the pot return to a boil, cover pot with a lid, lower the temperature, and cook for approximately 30 minutes stirring frequently.
  • Add more water if necessary.
  • Grits are done when they have the consistency of stiff cream of wheat.
  • Stir in butter.
  • Serve with additional butter on top of each portion, or serve with fruit or with a savory meal.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295.2, Fat 14.8, SaturatedFat 9.1, Cholesterol 41.2, Sodium 724, Carbohydrate 34.6, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 0.3, Protein 6

SOUTHERN GRITS AND EGGS



Southern Grits and Eggs image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup quick-cooking grits
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (about 2 ounces)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 large eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 ounces frozen cut okra, thawed
1 bunch scallions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Large pinch cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the grits, reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the cheese and season with salt and black pepper; cover to keep warm.
  • Crack the eggs into a large bowl. Heat the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the okra, scallion whites, bell pepper, cayenne, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste; cook, stirring, until the vegetables start to soften, 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Carefully slide the eggs on top of the okra mixture, keeping the yolks intact. Reduce the heat to medium; cover and cook, rotating the skillet occasionally, until the eggs are just set, about 6 minutes.
  • Serve the grits with the vegetables and eggs. Top with the scallion greens.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 405 calorie, Fat 21 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Cholesterol 445 milligrams, Sodium 231 milligrams, Carbohydrate 35 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 20 grams

SOUTHERN GRITS CASSEROLE



Southern Grits Casserole image

If you're from the South you will definitely love this recipe, which includes grits, eggs, sausage, and cheese. When I cook it, I place it in the slow cooker to stay warm. There is nothing worse than cold grits.

Provided by Ella Baldwin

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Grits

Time 1h

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 cups water
2 cups uncooked grits
½ cup butter, divided
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1 pound ground pork sausage
12 eggs
½ cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
  • Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan, and stir in grits. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer about 5 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed. Mix in 1/2 the butter and 2 cups cheese until melted.
  • In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until evenly browned. Drain, and mix into the grits. Beat together the eggs and milk in a bowl, and pour into the skillet. Lightly scramble, then mix into the grits.
  • Pour the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot with remaining butter, and top with remaining cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 403.2 calories, Carbohydrate 16.8 g, Cholesterol 201.8 mg, Fat 29.9 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 16.5 g, SaturatedFat 14.5 g, Sodium 458.9 mg, Sugar 0.9 g

SOUTHERN CHEESE GRITS



Southern Cheese Grits image

A Southern tradition, creamy cheese grits with a zip of spice makes for a perfect side dish to barbecue, or for a holiday get together. They were always on the table at my mother-in-law's house. A real family tradition.

Provided by Deborah

Categories     Side Dish     Grain Side Dish Recipes     Grits

Time 1h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

nonstick cooking spray
4 cups water
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup regular grits, uncooked
1 egg, well beaten
1 ½ cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons butter
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 dash hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco®), or more to taste
1 pinch paprika, or as needed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Bring water and salt to a boil in a pot over high heat. Add grits, reduce heat to low, and let simmer until tender, about 30 minutes.
  • Pour grits into a large mixing bowl. Add beaten egg slowly, followed by 1 1/4 cups Cheddar cheese, milk, Worcestershire sauce, butter, pepper, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Mix thoroughly and pour into the prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining Cheddar cheese on top and sprinkle lightly with paprika for coloring. Cover.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until thickened and cheese is melted, about 1 hour, uncovering the last 10 minutes to let a crust form on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 222.1 calories, Carbohydrate 17.7 g, Cholesterol 56.5 mg, Fat 12.6 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 9.4 g, SaturatedFat 7.7 g, Sodium 386.7 mg, Sugar 1.5 g

BASIC OLD-FASHIONED GRITS



Basic Old-Fashioned Grits image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 4

Kosher salt
1 cup old-fashioned grits (not instant or quick-cooking)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Combine 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Gradually add the grits, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until tender, about 20 minutes. If the grits seem too thick, thin with water, 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time.
  • Stir in the butter and season with pepper. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

BAKED SOUTHERN GRITS



Baked Southern Grits image

Karen Mau of Jacksboro, Tennessee turns a southern favorite into a tasty low-fat dish. Jalepeno peppers add a welcome kick while reduced-fat cheese creates a rich texture.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Breakfast     Brunch

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 cups water
1 cup quick-cooking grits
4 large egg whites
2 large eggs
1-1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1 to 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
4 green onions, chopped, divided

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add grits; cook and stir over medium heat for 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat., In a small bowl, whisk egg whites and eggs. Stir a small amount of hot grits into eggs; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Stir in the cheese, milk, jalapenos, garlic salt, pepper and half of the onions., Transfer to a 2-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with remaining onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 158 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 68mg cholesterol, Sodium 300mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Use coarse-ground grits: This will give your grits a more hominy flavor and texture.
  • Rinse the grits before cooking: This will help to remove any impurities and ensure that the grits cook evenly.
  • Use a heavy-bottom pot: This will help to prevent the grits from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
  • Bring the grits to a boil, then reduce the heat to low: This will help to prevent the grits from boiling over and ensure that they cook evenly.
  • Stir the grits frequently: This will help to prevent the grits from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
  • Cook the grits for 20-30 minutes, or until they are tender: The cooking time will vary depending on the type of grits you are using.
  • Season the grits to taste: You can add salt, pepper, butter, cheese, or other seasonings to taste.
  • Serve the grits hot: Grits are best served hot, so enjoy them right away!

Conclusion:

Grits are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With a little planning and effort, you can make grits that are creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. So next time you're looking for a hearty and delicious meal, give grits a try!

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