Peppers And Grits
A flavorful Southern-inspired dish featuring crispy bacon, sautéed peppers and onions, topped with chopped tomatoes and creamy grits, perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp.
- Drain bacon on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet. Crumble bacon and set aside.
- Add chopped green pepper, red sweet pepper, and onion to the drippings in the skillet.
- Cook about 2 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Meanwhile, prepare quick cooking grits according to package instructions.
- Stir pepper, paprika, and chopped tomato into the cooked vegetables.
- Serve the vegetable mixture over the prepared grits, topped with crumbled bacon.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also substitute the green and red peppers with other bell pepper colors or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you don't have quick cooking grits, regular grits can be used; just adjust the cooking time. For added creaminess, stir in a little cheese into the grits before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the peppers and grits as a hearty breakfast or brunch dish, topped with crumbled bacon for added crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of scrambled eggs or a fresh salad like Erica's Choice Salad for a complete meal. For a twist, consider adding some cheese or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the grits to restore their creaminess and warm them gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave without moisture, as this can dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peppers And Grits contains roughly 192 calories, with 7g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 488mg per serving (21% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using olive oil or vegetable broth for cooking the vegetables. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for added flavor and texture.
What can I serve with peppers and grits?
Peppers and grits are quite versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing them with a refreshing salad like Chili Cornbread Salad or a protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal that is satisfying and flavorful.
How do I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more paprika or introduce diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture. Conversely, for a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of paprika and opt for sweet varieties of peppers without any heat.
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).