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Ultimate Creamy Southern Cheese Grits

A close-up of a bowl filled with creamy, yellow cheese grits topped with melted orange cheddar cheese.
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Follow this stovetop method to create rich, smooth, and deeply comforting Southern Cheese Grits using sharp cheddar cheese. This recipe focuses on technique to prevent lumps and achieve a velvety texture, perfect for breakfast or as a savory side dish.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups Water
  • 1 cup Whole Milk
  • 1 cup Stone Ground Grits (or Quick Cooking Grits for faster prep)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream

Instructions

  1. Combine the water and milk in a medium saucepan. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Once boiling, slowly whisk in the grits. Reduce the heat to low immediately to maintain a gentle simmer.
  3. Cook the grits, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and lumps, for about 20 to 25 minutes if using stone ground grits, or follow package directions for quick grits. The mixture should thicken considerably.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and butter until the butter melts completely.
  5. Add the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese and the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the grits are smooth and creamy. Do not return the mixture to a boil after adding cheese.
  6. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately as a hearty brunch side or the base for shrimp and grits.

Notes

  • For the richest flavor, always use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • If your grits become too thick while resting, stir in a splash of hot milk or water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • This recipe works best with stone ground grits for authentic texture, but quick cooking grits are a good option when you need a fast comfort food breakfast.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/ultimate-creamy-cheese-grits-recipe/