Cheesy Grits Bowl
A quintessential Southern comfort food, this bowl features slow-simmered, stone-ground grits enriched with whole milk and butter, then loaded with sharp cheddar cheese. Crowned with crispy bacon and fresh scallions, it's a hearty and deeply satisfying meal perfect for breakfast or brunch.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Bacon
- b.Place the chopped bacon in a cold, large skillet. Turn the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
- c.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat from the skillet and discard the rest.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Grits Liquid
- b.In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the water and whole milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, watching carefully to prevent it from boiling over.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Grits
- b.Once the liquid is simmering, slowly pour in the stone-ground grits while whisking constantly and vigorously. This is crucial to prevent lumps.
- c.Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the grits cook for 20-25 minutes, or until they are thick, creamy, and tender.
- d.Whisk the grits every 5 minutes to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish the Grits
- b.Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the cubed butter, the reserved tablespoon of bacon fat, salt, and black pepper until the butter has melted.
- c.Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the grits are smooth and creamy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Taste the grits and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- c.Ladle the hot cheesy grits into four bowls.
- d.Garnish generously with the crispy bacon and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the creamiest texture, always use stone-ground grits and shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the grits grainy.
- 2Whisking is your best friend. Whisk when adding the grits and whisk periodically during cooking to ensure a perfectly smooth consistency.
- 3Don't rush the process. Stone-ground grits need a low and slow simmer to fully hydrate and release their creamy starches.
- 4For extra flavor, you can replace the water with an equal amount of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
- 5If grits become too thick upon standing, stir in a splash of warm milk or water to loosen them to your desired consistency.
Adapt it for your goals.
Shrimp and Grits
Make it a classic by omitting the bacon topping and instead sautéing 1 lb of shrimp with garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne. Serve the shrimp over the cheesy grits.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the bacon. Sauté sliced mushrooms and spinach with garlic and use as a topping. A sunny-side-up or poached egg also makes a great addition.
SpicySpicy
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the grits along with the cheese for a gentle heat.
Gourmet CheeseGourmet Cheese
Swap the cheddar for a combination of smoked Gouda, Gruyère, and a little Parmesan for a more complex and nutty flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Sustained Energy Source
The complex carbohydrates in stone-ground grits are digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy to fuel your morning.
Supports Bone Health
With significant amounts of whole milk and cheddar cheese, this dish is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Aids in Muscle Maintenance
The combination of bacon, cheese, and milk provides a substantial amount of protein, which is crucial for repairing and building muscle tissue.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Cheesy Grits Bowl contains approximately 590-620 calories, primarily from the grits, cheese, bacon, and butter. It is a rich and calorie-dense dish.