Classic American Grits Recipe
Grits are a beloved Southern dish made from ground corn, often served as a side or a base for various toppings. Here’s a simple recipe for making creamy, delicious grits that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits (not instant)
- 4 cups water (or a mix of water and milk for creamier grits)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, such as cheddar or pepper jack)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Optional toppings: cooked bacon, shrimp, sautéed vegetables, or a poached egg
Instructions
- Boil the Liquid: In a large saucepan, bring the water (or water and milk mixture) to a boil. Add the salt.
- Add the Grits: Gradually whisk in the grits to prevent lumps from forming. Stir continuously until the grits are fully incorporated.
- Reduce Heat: Lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the saucepan and cook the grits, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes. If the grits become too thick, you can add a little more water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Once the grits are creamy and tender, remove them from the heat. Stir in the butter until melted. If you’re using cheese, add it now and stir until fully melted and combined.
- Season: Taste the grits and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve: Spoon the grits into bowls and top with your choice of optional toppings, such as cooked bacon, shrimp, sautéed vegetables, or a poached egg.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, creamy grits!
Tips
- Stone-ground grits provide the best texture and flavor, but you can use quick-cooking grits if you're short on time. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the water with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Experiment with different cheeses and toppings to customize your grits to your taste!
Grits are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways, so feel free to get creative with your toppings and flavors!