Enjoy a pot of Buttery and Creamy Grits, enhanced with half-and-half and milk for a smooth, savory, and flavorful taste with each spoonful. If you've ever struggled while cooking grits, this recipe will yield the best grits you've ever had! For breakfast, brunch, or dinner, you'll love this tried and true southern staple.
If you're making grits then you have to check out my recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp and Grits and the super popular (and complementary) Garlic Butter Seafood Boil Sauce.
Grits have been a household staple for my entire life. Southern creamy grits are delicious as a side during breakfast or dinner but also are just as filling as a stand alone meal.
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Why we love this recipe
While some debate between sweet or savory grits, my family prefers the latter. For the sake of time, I use 5 minute grits because it's quick but still delicious.
This recipe is for the superior savory southern grits, so you will not find sugar in this recipe!
What are grits?
Grits are stone-ground corn that has been boiled to a porridge-like consistency. Basic recipes include water, salt, and pepper. Grits can be enhanced with ingredients like butter, milk, cheese, and even sugar. It's a classic dish in Southern cuisine.
The Secret to Creamy Grits:
The most common issue when preparing grits is getting the consistency just right. If there's not enough liquid, it can be sticky or clumpy. Too much liquid and it's a runny mess.
The key to creamy and buttery grits is the addition of half-and-half and milk! Pour in the half and half and the milk. Mix until well combined. Cook an additional 2 minutes, being sure to stir so that clumps do not form.
If it gets too thick, just add a little more milk. Then let it cook for another minute or two to even out the consistency.
If your grits get runny, simply add more grits and let them cook a little longer to thicken up.
What can you add to grits for flavor?
Grits have a naturally neutral taste. Because of this, they taste like whatever they are seasoned with. No matter your taste buds or cravings, there's a seasoning for you.
Savory: For extra savory grits (for a dinner meal like fish and grits) you can swap out water for chicken broth.
Cheesy: Grits loaded with cheese taste heavenly! Simply add sharp cheddar to cooked grits.
Sweet: Although it is a national debate, some people do in fact like sugar in their grits! So in this case, omit the pepper in this recipe and add sugar, brown sugar, or honey for a touch of sweetness. Garnish with fresh berries to take it to the next level!
Spicy: If you want your grits to have some kick, consider adding Cajun seasoning or hot sauce. Adding jalapeños or peppers would round out the flavor too.
How to Reheat Leftover Grits
Grits are best served fresh. but they can be refrigerated. When you're ready to eat, just add a bit of liquid and heat them up in the microwave.
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups Water
- 1 cup 5 minute grits
- ½ cup Half and half
- ½ cup Milk 2%
- 2 tablespoons Butter unsalted
- ½ teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper adjust to taste
Instructions
- Add water to a large sauce pan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Slowly add the grits into the boiling water and whisk vigorously at the same time you pour the grits in. Continue to stir to ensure the grits to not get lumpy.
- Turn the heat down to low and continue to whisk the grits until they begin to thicken up, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the half and half and the milk, and mix it in until it is well combined. Cook an additional 2 minutes being sure to stir so that clumps do not form.
- Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, and add the butter.
- Stir it up until it is combined, and the butter is melted. Enjoy!
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