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Rich, creamy, and totally dreamy, grits are a Southern staple and one of my all time favorites. This cozy side pairs with everything from bacon and eggs to shrimp!
What are Grits? – Grits vs. Polenta
Both grits and polenta are corn-based side dishes. While both are made from ground corn, there are some differences.
Grits are a coarsely ground grain made with either hominy or stone-ground corn. The simplest way to prepare grits is to boil them in water, but they can also be infused with extra flavor by cooking them in broth or stock.
For creamy grits, cook them in milk or half milk, half water. Once grits are cooked, they are usually mixed with butter, but the variations are endless!
Polenta is made from yellow ground corn and is the Italian version of grits. It’s also a deeper shade of yellow and has a different grind while grits are generally a pale white. Polenta generally takes a little more time to prepare and requires additional stirring to keep it creamy and lump free.
Types of Grits
- Quick and Regular – The most common kind of grits is just that, quick and easy to prepare. The endosperm is removed, which gives them a longer shelf life and a quicker cooking time.
- Hominy – Hominy grits are made from white corn that has been soaked.
- Stone Ground – Stone-ground grits are coarsely ground, retain more of the nutrients, and take up to an hour to cook. They can be harder to find.
- Instant – Essentially, precooked and dehydrated. Instant grits are great for a quick breakfast when made in the microwave with a bit of water or milk.
Delicious Variations
For a little variety, try preparing grits with different flavor combinations:
- For Cheese Grits: Add shredded cheddar cheese after it has been cooked but are still on the stove. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the grits are smooth.
- For Shrimp and Grits: Saute the shrimp separately and add to the cooked grits. Add a can of diced tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese for a fancy version!
What to Eat with Grits
For breakfast, simply cooked with milk and butter and seasoned with salt and pepper is the way to go. Try adding a fried egg on top, a sprinkling of bacon bits for flavor, and serving with a fresh biscuit!
If you are preparing it as an entrée, any kind of sautéed vegetable on the side would taste great! Or a crisp salad with a bright vinaigrette to clear the palate is a great idea!
How to Cook Grits
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk or light cream, more as needed
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 cup grits or quick-cooking grits
- 3 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Bring milk, water, and salt to a simmer over medium heat.
- Slowly add grits while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Cook grits covered over medium-low heat, stirring frequently (about 15 minutes for regular grits, 5 minutes for quick-cooking grits).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Notes
- Optional: Stir in 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese before serving.
- Milk can be substituted with half and half, a portion of heavy cream or even broth if needed.
For a thinner consistency, add more milk. For a thicker consistency, cook a bit longer. - This recipe is for regular or quick cooking grits. Stone-ground grits will need a longer cook time. Various brands/grinds may have a slightly longer/shorter cook time.
- Cook time uses regular grits.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Breakfast, Side Dish
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It didn’t tell me how much of the ingredients were needed, so useless.
The recipe card is near the bottom of the post. Scroll down or hit ‘jump to recipe’ and all the ingredients and quantities will be listed.
Best, easiest grits recipe I’ve found! Thank you! Had it for breakfast with veggie sausage and shredded cheddar!
Simple to follow recipe. Turned out great! Satisfied my southern roots. Load up the butter,
Best grits i have ever made. I used Heavy cream.
How can you stir frequently if you cook covered!!??
I lift the lid, stir and then replace the lid.
My husband LOVES grits!!!! I have never made them wth milk and tried this recipe, they were AMAZING and my Husband wants me to only make them like this from now on!!!!
Love this recipe
10 minutes full pressure in quick cooker or instant pot is perfect ever time.
Thanks for sharing, Giacomo!
So good!!! I added smoked gouda, garlic shrimp and butter! OMGosh!!!! This will always be my go to recipe!
Those sound like great additions!
This taste is good, thanks!
You’re welcome Sophie!
I have tried grits many times, and have come to the conclusion that I just don’t like grits.
I made this recipe today, and I need to reconsider that now. I have finally enjoyed grits!
Thank you!
Well didn’t that just make my day Ry!! Yay!
This is my go to recipe for grits. They turn out perfect every time. Thank you.
Good morning!
My daughter has some loose teeth at her beautiful age of 9.5. So Momma’s making something new! Seriously I am fixing her grits. Here’s the types….
1. Butter
2. Butter salt and syrup
3. Cheese and butter
4. Shrimp and butter
Those are my four types im cooking for her in small batches to see which one is her favorite!!
Mines #2
All sound delicious, I’d have trouble picking between 3 & 4!
Easy to make and he loved it! I used chicken stock instead of water though.
Love this recipe! Easy to make and tasty, I added some cheddar cheese and chia seeds to get more protein and fiber. Made half of the recipe and is was good for two servings.
Grew up in Louisiana. I had never tried adding milk or cream.
Recipe is super good. However servings is misleading. I halved the grits and still had enough for about 6 people.
Six people come on now lol definitely more like two people no more than three if you use half the recipe
Sounds delicious
Easy recipe! I actually halved it and still came out super creamy. Thanks for sharing.