Creamy Grits Recipe for Perfect Southern Comfort
Creamy Southern-style grits are a rich and velvety comfort food, perfect for breakfast or as a side dish. This easy recipe transforms simple corn grits into a satisfying meal with the addition of butter and cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 cups water, plus more as needed
¾ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup white or yellow corn grits, preferably stone-ground
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream, plus more as desired (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water and ¾ teaspoon of sea salt to a boil.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup of grits while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low once all the grits have been added.
- Stir the mixture often for 20 to 30 minutes, or until it becomes thick and creamy. If the grits are not tender after the cooking time, add more water and continue to cook until they soften.
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. If you prefer a richer texture, add ¼ cup of heavy cream. Adjust the amount of cream for the desired richness.
- For a cheesy version, mix in 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese when adding the butter. Add more water or cream to reach your preferred consistency if the grits become too thick.
Notes
If you want a spicier kick, try adding cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the grits.
Leftover grits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a bit of water or cream to restore the creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
