Creamy Cheddar Cheese Grits (Printable)
A rich, creamy southern dish featuring sharp cheddar blended with tender grits for a smooth finish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
04 - ¼ cup cream cheese
→ Grains
05 - 1 cup stone-ground grits
→ Liquids
06 - 2 cups water
→ Seasonings
07 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
08 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
09 - ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a medium saucepan, bring water, milk, and salt to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
02 - Gradually whisk in the grits, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
03 - Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the grits are tender, about 20–25 minutes.
04 - Stir in butter and cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the grits.
05 - Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
06 - Season with black pepper and cayenne (if using), adjusting salt to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese or chopped chives if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- These grits are the kind of comfort food that makes people lean in and ask what you put in them
- They come together faster than you would expect for something that tastes this special
02 -
- Grits will continue to thicken as they sit, so if they seem too loose at first just give them a minute
- Stone-ground grits really do need that full cooking time to become tender, rushing this step shows
03 -
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded bags which contain anti-caking agents
- Warm your milk slightly before adding it to the water, this prevents the temperature from dropping too much