18 Southern Corn Grits Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Apr 11, 2024
If you're a fan of Southern cuisine, then you've most likely heard of grits. These small, ground corn kernels are a staple in Southern cooking and can be served as a side dish or even a main course. While there are many variations of grits, the most traditional and beloved is the Southern corn grits recipe. In this article, we'll dive into the history of this classic dish and share an easy and delicious recipe for you to try at home. So grab your apron and let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Corn Grits, Water, Heavy Cream, Shredded Parmesan
Grits are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. These creamy, cheesy grits are a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
To make these grits, you'll need stone-ground grits, water, milk, butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stone-ground grits are the best choice for this recipe as they have a more robust flavor and texture compared to instant grits.
Start by cooking the grits in a mixture of water and milk until they are tender and creamy. Then, stir in the butter and cheese until they are melted and fully incorporated. Serve the grits hot and watch as they disappear in no time.
For a little extra flavor and texture, try adding some chopped green onions, crispy bacon, or spicy Andouille sausage to the grits. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as smoked Gouda or pepper jack, to give the grits a unique twist.
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How to Make Creamy Southern Cheese Grits
Main Ingredients: Corn Grits, Filtered Water, Almond Milk, Heavy Cream
If you're new to making grits, don't be intimidated. This recipe is easy to follow and will give you perfect results every time. The key to making creamy grits is to use a combination of water and milk, and to cook them low and slow. This allows the grits to absorb the liquid and become tender and creamy.
It's also important to stir the grits frequently while they are cooking to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This will ensure that the grits are evenly cooked and creamy throughout.
Once the grits are cooked, add in the butter and cheese while the grits are still hot. This will help the butter and cheese to melt and blend seamlessly into the grits. If the grits start to thicken too much, you can add a little more milk to thin them out.
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Shrimp and Creamy Cheesy Grits
Main Ingredients: Shelled Shrimp, Olive Oil, Old Bay Seasoning, Italian
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that is beloved by many. The combination of tender shrimp and creamy, cheesy grits is simply irresistible. To make this dish, start by cooking the grits according to the recipe above.
While the grits are cooking, sauté some shrimp in a skillet with butter, garlic, and Cajun seasoning. Once the shrimp are cooked, add them to the cooked grits and stir to combine. The result is a delicious and filling dish that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Cheese Grits
Main Ingredients: Milk, Water, Sea Salt, Corn Grits, Unsalted Butter
If you're a fan of mac and cheese, then you'll love cheese grits. These grits are just as creamy and cheesy, but with a Southern twist. The key to making the perfect cheese grits is to use a combination of shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese.
Start by cooking the grits according to the recipe above, then stir in the cream cheese along with the butter and shredded cheddar. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness to the grits that is simply divine. Serve these cheese grits as a side dish or add some crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast.
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Cheesy Ham and Grits Breakfast Casserole
Main Ingredients: Milk, Salt, Corn Grits, Unsalted Butter, Large Eggs
If you're looking for a delicious and filling breakfast idea, look no further than this cheesy ham and grits casserole. Made with cooked grits, diced ham, eggs, cheese, and fresh herbs, this casserole is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time.
Start by cooking the grits according to the recipe above, then mix in the diced ham and spread the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Crack eggs over the top of the grits and sprinkle with shredded cheese and herbs. Bake in the oven until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp & Grits
Main Ingredients: Corn Grits, Whole Milk, Kosher Salt, Unsalted Butter
This dish takes the classic shrimp and grits to a whole new level with the addition of a spicy BBQ sauce. The shrimp are cooked in a flavorful sauce made with butter, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and BBQ sauce. Serve the BBQ shrimp over a bed of creamy grits for a unique and delicious meal.
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Honey Mustard Cajun Shrimp with Cheddar Grits
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Chicken Stock, Corn Grits, Kosher Salt
For a sweet and tangy twist on shrimp and grits, try this recipe that combines Cajun-seasoned shrimp with a honey mustard sauce. The sauce is made with honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, and pairs perfectly with the creamy cheddar grits.
To make this dish even more flavorful, try using Andouille sausage instead of regular shrimp. The smoky and spicy sausage adds another layer of flavor to the dish.
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BBQ Shrimp and Grits
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Smoked Sausage, Bacon, Butter, Worcestershire
If you love BBQ flavors, then you'll love this BBQ shrimp and grits recipe. The shrimp are cooked in a tangy BBQ sauce and served over creamy grits. For an extra kick, add some diced jalapenos to the grits or sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top.
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Pimento Cheese Grits
Main Ingredients: Milk, Corn Grits, Salt, Pimento Cheese
Pimento cheese is a Southern favorite, and it pairs perfectly with grits. This recipe combines the two to create a cheesy and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any meal. The pimento cheese adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the grits, making them even more delicious.
To make this dish, stir in some pimento cheese along with the butter and shredded cheddar cheese into the cooked grits. You can also add in some chopped green onions or crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.
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Black Eyed Peas with Smoky Collards and Cheesy Grits
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Vegetable Broth, Yellow Onion, Green
This hearty and flavorful dish combines Southern staples like black eyed peas, collard greens, and grits. The black eyed peas are cooked with smoked ham hock for extra flavor, while the collard greens are sautéed with smoked paprika for a smoky and spicy kick.
Serve the black eyed peas and collard greens over creamy cheesy grits for a delicious and filling meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.
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Pan-Fried Cheese Grits Cakes with Lemon and Olive Oil...
Main Ingredients: Cooked Shrimp, Lemon, Olive Oil, Dried Basil, Fresh
These pan-fried grits cakes are a delicious and unique way to enjoy grits. The grits are mixed with cheese, lemon zest, and olive oil, then formed into patties and pan-fried until crispy and golden brown.
Serve these grits cakes as a side dish or top them with a poached egg and some avocado slices for a hearty breakfast.
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Butternut Squash Grits
Main Ingredients: Butternut Squash, Water, Butter, Salt, Ground Black
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try these creamy butternut squash grits. The butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness to the grits, making them the perfect accompaniment to any savory dish.
To make these grits, simply mix in some pureed butternut squash along with the butter and cheese into the cooked grits. You can also add some toasted pecans or crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.
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Shrimp and Grits
Main Ingredients: Water, Corn Grits, Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, Unsalted
This classic Southern dish is a must-try for any grits lover. Tender shrimp are cooked in a flavorful sauce made with white wine, garlic, and lemon, and served over creamy grits. The result is a dish that is indulgent and comforting.
For an extra burst of flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the shrimp sauce. You can also add some sliced mushrooms for a heartier dish.
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Shrimp and Grits Eggs Benedict with Spicy Red Eye...
Main Ingredients: Water, Kosher Salt, Corn Grits, Butter, Sharp White
This dish combines two Southern favorites – shrimp and grits and eggs benedict. The grits are topped with poached eggs and a spicy red eye gravy, made with coffee and hot sauce, for a unique and delicious twist.
Serve this dish for a special brunch or breakfast and impress your guests with the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
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Caribbean Shrimp and Grits
Main Ingredients: Butter, Small Onion, Garlic, Chicken Broth, Water, Corn
If you're in the mood for something a little different, try this Caribbean-inspired shrimp and grits recipe. The shrimp is sautéed in a coconut milk and curry powder sauce, giving it a delicious and exotic flavor.
Serve the shrimp over creamy grits and top with some fresh mango salsa for a burst of sweetness and freshness. This dish is perfect for a tropical-themed dinner party or as a way to switch up your regular shrimp and grits routine.
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Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Main Ingredients: Peeled And Deveined Shrimp, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This Cajun-inspired shrimp and grits recipe is full of flavor and spice. The shrimp is cooked in a Cajun seasoning and tomato sauce and served over creamy grits.
You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the dish to be. Serve with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
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Shrimp and Grits with Tomatoes and Bacon
Main Ingredients: Corn Grits, Milk, Water, Medium Shrimp, Butter, Minced
This dish is a delicious and colorful twist on traditional shrimp and grits. The shrimp is cooked in a tomato-based sauce with bacon, garlic, and spinach, and served over creamy grits.
The addition of the tomatoes and spinach not only adds flavor but also adds a pop of color to the dish. Serve with some crumbled feta cheese for a salty and tangy kick.
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Cheesy Grits with Garlic
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Garlic, Corn Grits, Kosher Salt, Black
For a simple and delicious side dish, try these cheesy grits with garlic. The grits are cooked in a mixture of water and milk, then stirred in with butter and shredded cheese.
The addition of minced garlic gives the grits a delicious and savory flavor that pairs well with any main dish. You can also add some chopped parsley for a pop of freshness.
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Grilled Peach Barbecue Sauce with Grilled Polenta
Main Ingredients: Peaches, Sunflower Oil, Sweet Onion, Minced Garlic
This dish is a unique and tasty way to enjoy grits. The grits are cooked on the grill until they are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They are then topped with a delicious grilled peach barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy kick.
This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or as a side dish for any grilled meat or seafood. Serve with some grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
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Creamy Cheese Grits and Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Water, Corn Grits, Fine Sea Salt, Cheddar Cheese
This dish takes creamy grits to a whole new level with the addition of sautéed mushrooms. The mushrooms add a meaty and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy grits.
You can also add some crumbled sausage to the grits for a heartier dish, or top with some grilled chicken for a complete meal.
If you're a fan of Southern cuisine, then you've most likely heard of grits. These small, ground corn kernels are a staple in Southern cooking and can be served as a side dish or even a main course. While there are many variations of grits, the most traditional and beloved is the Southern corn grits recipe. In this article, we'll dive into the history of this classic dish and share an easy and delicious recipe for you to try at home. So grab your apron and let's get cooking!
The History of Southern Corn Grits
The Origins of Grits
Grits have been a part of Southern cuisine for centuries, with evidence of Native Americans using a similar dish made from corn as early as the 16th century. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that grits became a staple in Southern cooking. In fact, before the Civil War, grits were considered a poor man's food and were mostly consumed by slaves and lower-class citizens.
The Evolution of Grits
As time went on, grits evolved from a simple porridge-like dish to a more refined and versatile ingredient. During the Reconstruction era, grits were often served as a breakfast food and were a popular choice among soldiers during the Civil War. In the 20th century, grits became popular in restaurants and were often served as a side dish to accompany meats such as fried chicken or pork chops. Today, grits are enjoyed by people of all social classes and have even gained popularity in other regions of the United States.
The Southern Corn Grits Recipe
Now that we know a bit about the history of grits, let's dive into the most beloved version - the Southern corn grits recipe. This recipe is simple, yet packed with flavor and can be customized to your liking.
Ingredients:
1 cup of stone-ground grits
4 cups of water
1 cup of milk
4 tablespoons of butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
Gradually stir in the grits and reduce the heat to low.
Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits are thick and creamy.
Stir in the milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and let the grits sit for a few minutes before serving.
Customizing Your Grits
One of the best things about grits is their versatility. You can add in various ingredients to make your grits unique and delicious. Some popular additions include cheese, bacon, shrimp, or even hot sauce for a bit of a kick. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own.
In conclusion, the Southern corn grits recipe is a classic dish that has stood the test of time. Whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast or a comforting side dish, these grits are sure to satisfy. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the taste of the South in your own home?
