Buttery Corn Grits Recipe with Cheese and Bacon is a delicious and indulgent dish that combines grits' creamy texture with the rich cheese and bacon flavors. I also make Cajun Shrimp and Grits, Jalapeño Grits, and even Fried Green Tomatoes and Cheddar Grits. My favorite grits recipe, this one, can adapt to whatever you crave or have left over in the fridge.
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- ALL ABOUT GRITS
- What are the different types of grits?
- How are grits cooked?
- What is the flavor and texture of cooked grits?
- How are grits typically served?
- What are the differences between white and yellow grits?
- Are grits healthy?
- INGREDIENTS
- INGREDIENT NOTES:
- VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Instructions
- Recipe
ALL ABOUT GRITS
Grits are a staple food in the Southern United States, made from ground cornmeal that has been boiled and cooked to a smooth or coarse consistency. They have a long history in Southern cuisine and are commonly enjoyed as a breakfast dish, but they can also be served as a side dish or incorporated into various recipes. Grits have become an iconic dish associated with Southern cuisine, loved for their comforting and versatile nature. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as part of a savory meal, southern grits offer a delightful taste of Southern cooking.
What are the different types of grits?
Grits are typically categorized as either "stone-ground" or "instant" based on their preparation method.
- Stone-Ground Grits
- Stone-ground grits are made by grinding whole dried corn kernels between large millstones. They have a more authentic and coarse texture and are often considered more flavorful. They take longer to cook but are favored by many grits enthusiasts for their traditional taste.
- Instant Grits
- Instant grits are made with pre-cooked fresh corn, then dehydrated, allowing them to be prepared quickly by adding hot water or milk. They have a finer texture and are more convenient but may lack some of the depth of flavor found in stone-ground grits.
How are grits cooked?
Grits are cooked by simmering them in water or milk until they reach a creamy consistency. The cooking time can vary depending on the type of grits being used. Stone-ground grits usually require around 30-45 minutes of cooking, while instant grits can be ready in just a few minutes. Whenever I have lots of time on my hands I use stone ground coarse grinds.
What is the flavor and texture of cooked grits?
Cooked grits have a mild, slightly sweet corn flavor. Stone-ground grits have a more pronounced corn taste and a slightly chewy texture, while instant grits are smoother and creamier. The consistency can be adjusted by adding more liquid for thinner grits or reducing the liquid for thicker, more substantial grits.
How are grits typically served?
Grits are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making them easy to work into meal plans. Grits are available in grocery stores or online, as in the case of Anson Mills and other premium brands.
- Breakfast Grits
- Traditional breakfast grits are often served with butter, salt, and pepper. They can also be enhanced with additions like cheese, bacon, sausage, or even shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Side Dish
- Grits can accompany dishes such as fried chicken, fish, or vegetables as a tasty and comforting side.
- Grits in Recipes
- Grits can be used as a base for casseroles, bakes, or even as a substitute for polenta in dishes like shrimp and grits.
What are the differences between white and yellow grits?
Yellow corn grits and white corn grits are both made from different varieties of corn, which results in some distinctions in flavor, texture, and appearance. Here's a comparison between yellow and white corn grits:
- Color
- The most noticeable difference is the color. Yellow corn grits have a vibrant yellow hue due to the higher carotenoid content, which gives them a golden appearance. White corn grits, on the other hand, are paler in color, ranging from white to a light cream shade.
- Flavor:
- Yellow corn grits often have a slightly sweeter and more robust corn flavor compared to white corn grits. The natural sweetness in yellow corn can contribute to a richer taste profile, while white corn grits may have a milder, more neutral corn flavor.
- Texture:
- In terms of texture, there may be subtle variations, but it largely depends on the specific processing and preparation methods rather than the color of the corn used. Both yellow and white corn grits can be ground to various coarseness levels, ranging from fine to coarse. The texture can be adjusted to personal preference during cooking.
- Culinary Uses:
- Yellow and white corn grits can be used interchangeably in most recipes. They both work well as a base for savory dishes, such as shrimp and grits or grits with cheese and bacon. Additionally, they can be served as a
Are grits healthy?
Grits are primarily composed of corn, which provides carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and some protein. They are low in fat and contain essential nutrients such as iron, niacin, and thiamine. However, remember that the nutritional content can vary depending on the preparation method and any additional ingredients.
INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENT NOTES:
- Water: you can also use chicken broth if more flavor is desired.
- Salt: Kosher salt is preferred
- Quick cooking grits: Use what you like, just follow the package directions for cooking.
- Heavy cream: You could use milk or half and half.
- Butter: I prefer salted butter, but if you prefer unsalted butter it works just fine
- Bacon: I prefer thin, crispy, center-cut bacon, crumbled by hand vs chopped with a knife.
- Cheddar cheese: You can substitute what you have on hand. Pepper Jack is awesome as well.
- Green onions: Use chives if you have them on hand!
- Hot sauce: My favorite brand is Cholula hot sauce.
VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS:
- I could type all day about variations of my Buttery Corn Grits Recipe with Cheese and Bacon. Consider your grits as the foundation on which you build your meal. Ham, sausage, or even chorizo works great instead of bacon.
- Use the cheese you like the best. Just be sure it is a good melting cheese. Exceptions: If you substitute chorizo for the bacon, I recommend sprinkling Cotija cheese on top.
- For a sweet corn grits recipe add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the cooked grits and top with butter and maple syrup.
Instructions
Add water to a medium pot. Add salt to the water and bring to a slow rolling boil.
Slowly whisk in the grits, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue cooking and whisking frequently until the grits are thickened and the water is absorbed.
Combine all spices into a large bowl and mix thoroughly into lean ground beef
You can add some of the cheese and some of the butter at this point, but do it before you add the cream. Whisk until it melts.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cream.
Pour the grits into a bowl or onto a serving plate.
Garnish with butter, cheese, bacon, and scallions.
Enjoy while piping hot.
Recipe
Buttery Corn Grits Recipe with Cheese and Bacon
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Microwave optional for cooking bacon
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup quick cooking grits
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese grated
- 2-3 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon scallions thinly sliced
- Hot sauce to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated black pepper
Instructions
- Add the salt to the one-and-a-half cups of water and bring to a rolling boil.
- Slowly whisk in the half cup of grits, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue cooking until the grits are thickened and the water absorbed.
- If you want to add half of the butter and/or cheese directly into the hot grits do it now, before the cream is added.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cream.
- Pour the grits into a bowl or ladle onto a serving plate.
- Garnish with butter, bacon, cheese, scallions, and hot sauce. Enjoy immediately while piping hot.
Nutrition
Approximate nutrition information is provided as a convenience and courtesy only. You are encouraged to do your own calculations if precise data is required.
We take every effort to ensure that the estimated meal cost per serving is accurate. We use a meal cost analysis application that estimates the cost of a recipe based on groceries purchased at a Walmart store in my geographical area, northern California.
Genevieve says
I love good breakfast recipes and this one fits the bill! I need to make these for my hubby! He loves breakfast grits! And are those lilacs I spy? Such beautiful flowers!
Mary says
Thanks, and yes, they are lilacs. That was the first house I have lived in that actually had lilacs! They were gorgeous and smelled divine. We have moved so no more lilacs.
Nancy says
I’ve never really made grits before. Thanks for the easy to follow instructions to nail breakfast right.
Mary says
You'll be making them all the time now.
Jerika says
I love this Savory Breakfast Grits.:) What a fun and delicious way to make what is leftover in the fridge. Really awesome. Love it!:) Thanks.
Mary says
That is what I do. Clean out the cheese and veggie drawer.
Megan says
Wow! I had no idea grits could be so good (Aussie here). So simple and delicious! Thanks Mary.
Kayla DiMaggio says
These savory breakfast grits were just that! So savory! I loved the texture and the taste!
Rebecca says
Great breakfast recipe and so comforting. Thank you.
Mary says
Thanks!
Alexandra says
Such a delicious breakfast option - so simple and comforting!
Mary says
Thanks!
Natalie says
Made grits for the first time. As a huge fan of polenta I also loved your breakfast grits! Can't believe I never tried it before, thanks!
Mary says
I make polenta with a poached egg on top for breakfast and it is delish.
Nora says
Yum! This breakfast turned out perfectly! The whole family loved it!
Mary says
That is great! Thanks for letting know.
Freya says
This recipe persuaded me to love grits! I have had them in the past and they were bland but these were perfect, savoury and comforting
Mary says
I come from a long line of women who cooked grits. It is in my DNA.