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Easy Cheesy Breakfast Grits Recipe (Creamy Southern-Style Grits)

These easy cheesy breakfast grits are warm, creamy, and full of comforting Southern flavor. Made with hominy grits, sharp Cheddar cheese, butter, and a touch of black pepper, this simple stovetop breakfast comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve them alongside eggs, bacon, or sausage for a satisfying homemade breakfast.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Breakfast
Calories: 240
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup hominy grits
  • ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Gather the ingredients. Measure the water, salt, hominy grits, shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, butter, and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Boil the water. Pour 3 cups of water into a medium saucepan. Add the salt and bring the water to a full boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Whisk in the grits. Gradually add the hominy grits to the boiling water, whisking continuously for 1 minute. This helps distribute the grits evenly and prevents lumps from forming.
  4. Reduce the heat. Once the mixture returns to a boil, lower the heat to low. Allow the grits to cook at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil.
  5. Cook until thickened. Continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the grits from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. The mixture should gradually thicken as the grits soften.
  6. Remove from heat. Once the grits are tender and have reached a thick, creamy consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat.
  7. Add cheese and butter. Stir in the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, butter, and freshly ground black pepper.
  8. Mix until creamy. Continue stirring until the cheese and butter melt completely and blend into the hot grits.
  9. Serve warm. Spoon the cheesy grits into serving bowls and enjoy immediately while smooth, creamy, and hot.

Notes

  • Whisking: Whisk continuously for the first minute after adding the grits to the boiling salted water. This helps prevent clumps.
  • Cooking temperature: Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low and maintain a gentle simmer.
  • Stir frequently: Stir the grits regularly during the 10 to 15 minutes of cooking to help them cook evenly and prevent sticking.
  • Cheese and butter: Add the Cheddar cheese and butter only after removing the saucepan from the heat. Stir until completely melted.
  • Consistency: This recipe produces thick, hearty grits with a creamy finish. If they become thicker than you prefer, stir in a small amount of hot water to loosen them.
  • Cheese flavor: Sharp Cheddar provides a pronounced savory flavor that complements the mild taste of hominy grits.
  • Serving: Enjoy immediately for the smoothest consistency, as grits naturally thicken while cooling.