Creamy Cheese Grits Recipe

Updated March 11, 2022

Recipe Details

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy

• Rating: 4.5/5 (420 reviews)

• Comments: 66 comments

Introduction

Creamy cheese grits are a timeless Southern comfort dish, celebrated for their simplicity and indulgent texture. This recipe prioritizes quality ingredients and meticulous technique to achieve a silken, non-gritty consistency—ideal for cold mornings or as a heartwarming Sunday dinner side. By focusing on stone-ground grits, frequent stirring, and a balance of cream and cheese, you’ll create a dish that’s both comforting and refined.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 cup stone-ground corn grits (coarse grind for texture)

• 4 cups water or chicken broth (for depth)

• 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for richness)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)

• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)

• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (optional)

• Optional: 2 cloves minced garlic, ¼ tsp nutmeg, or 2 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep & Heat Liquid

In a medium saucepan, combine water/broth, salt, and optional aromatics (garlic, bacon). Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

2. Cook Grits (Key to Non-Gritty Texture)

Slowly whisk in stone-ground grits, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Reduce heat to low-medium and maintain a gentle simmer. Critical Technique: Stir grits every 2–3 minutes for 10–12 minutes to cook out graininess and ensure even tenderness.

3. Add Cream & Butter

After 10 minutes, the grits should be tender. Stir in butter until melted, then pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently, stirring continuously to create a smooth base.

4. Melt Cheese

Add shredded cheese in batches, stirring until fully incorporated. Simmer 2–3 minutes more, adjusting heat to avoid boiling (which can curdle cheese).

5. Season & Serve

Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or nutmeg. If too thick, add a splash of cream; if too thin, simmer 1–2 minutes. Garnish with pepper or additional cheese and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

• Stone-Ground Grits: Essential for authentic texture and creaminess.

• Frequent Stirring: Prevents grits from sticking and ensures uniform cooking.

• Cream Ratio: Heavy cream amplifies richness, but whole milk works as a lighter alternative.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting staple, balancing ease with culinary precision. Enjoy!