Cheesy Grits
Creamy, cheesy grits with green onions and paprika offer a comforting, flavorful side perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, appealing to cheese lovers and southern cuisine fans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat milk, water, salt, and pepper to boiling in a 2-quart saucepan.
- Gradually add the quick grits, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and simmer about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese and sliced green onions.
- Remove from heat and stir 1 cup of hot mixture into the slightly beaten eggs.
- Return the egg mixture to the hot grits, stirring well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Dot the top with margarine or butter.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you don't have white hominy, you can substitute with regular corn grits. To enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce. Make sure to stir constantly when adding the quick grits to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cheesy grits as a hearty side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy them as a comforting breakfast topped with a poached egg. They pair beautifully with Ethel'S Sugar Cookies for a delightful brunch spread. For a vegetarian option, consider serving with sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheesy grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or water to the grits and warm them up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Grits contains roughly 610 calories, with 11g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 506mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Ensure that the quick grits you use are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may process their products in facilities that handle gluten. This dish can easily be adapted for those following gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).