Ultimate Creamy Sharp Cheddar Southern Cheese Grits
Make rich, creamy Southern Cheese Grits using sharp cheddar and heavy cream. This stovetop recipe delivers authentic, comforting flavor quickly, perfect for breakfast or as a savory side dish.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Bring the water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the saucepan and simmer, stirring every 5 minutes, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the grits are thick and tender.
- Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and butter until the butter melts completely.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Season with black pepper and cayenne pepper, if using. Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Serve the creamy cheese grits immediately as a comforting side dish or breakfast staple.
Notes
- Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese for the best melting quality and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- For an extra rich flavor, substitute half of the water with chicken or vegetable broth.
- If the grits become too thick while sitting, stir in a splash of hot milk or water to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 75
Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/best-creamy-cheese-grits-recipe/