If you’ve ever craved a comforting, creamy, and downright delicious breakfast that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, let me introduce you to the Put on Grits Recipe. This Southern American classic takes simple stone ground grits and elevates them with sharp cheddar, butter, and just the right blend of spices, creating a dish that’s perfectly textured and full of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned grits lover or trying them for the first time, this recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates heartwarming comfort food with a cheesy twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving that rich, creamy texture and wonderful flavor that makes Put on Grits Recipe a standout breakfast dish. Each element works harmoniously to bring out the best in this Southern classic.
- 4 cups water: The base for cooking your grits gives them a smooth, tender consistency.
- 1 cup stone ground grits: Use stone ground for an authentic texture and heartier flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the grits without overpowering them.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds a luscious creaminess and rich mouthfeel.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Packs a punch of tangy, savory flavor that makes these grits irresistible.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: For extra creaminess and smoothness in every bite.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: These enrich the texture, making the grits velvety and substantial.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle kick to balance the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces a gentle aromatic depth without overpowering.
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional): Adds a smoky, crispy contrast that’s pure comfort food.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish: A fresh, vibrant finishing touch.
How to Make Put on Grits Recipe
Step 1: Bring Water to a Boil and Add Grits
Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, add the 1 teaspoon of salt to season the water. Slowly whisk in the stone ground grits to avoid any lumps, ensuring your texture will be smooth and creamy. This slow addition is key for perfect grits.
Step 2: Simmer the Grits
Reduce the heat to low and let the grits cook, stirring frequently. This process usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, during which your kitchen will start filling with the comforting aroma of slowly cooking grits. You’re looking for a thick, tender consistency by the end of this step – patience here pays off in texture!
Step 3: Add Butter, Cheese, Milk, and Seasonings
Once your grits have thickened, stir in 3 tablespoons of butter, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the mixture is luxuriously creamy and smooth, inviting you to dive right in.
Step 4: Incorporate Beaten Eggs for Richness
With the grits still hot, carefully and slowly add the beaten eggs while stirring quickly. This step enriches the texture, making the grits even creamier and more satisfying. Moving swiftly ensures the eggs blend smoothly into the mixture without scrambling.
Step 5: Add Optional Bacon and Final Stir
If you love the smoky crunch of bacon, toss in the crumbled cooked bacon pieces now and mix well. This is where your Put on Grits Recipe transforms into a hearty, comforting delight perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the creamy grits into bowls and sprinkle with the chopped green onions. These fresh, bright green bursts add a perfect counterbalance to the rich, cheesy base, making every spoonful shine.
How to Serve Put on Grits Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are a classic go-to, offering freshness and mild bite. But don’t hesitate to experiment with a sprinkle of paprika for color, a few dots of hot sauce if you like heat, or even a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an herbal lift. Garnishes elevate the dish beyond comfort food into something truly special visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Put on Grits Recipe pairs beautifully with crispy fried eggs, sautéed greens like kale or collards, or even a serving of grilled shrimp or sausage for a complete Southern-inspired meal. A simple side of fresh fruit or a crispy biscuit can bring balance to the creamy richness of the grits, making your breakfast or brunch spread something to remember.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your grits in charming rustic bowls for a homey vibe or use small ramekins for an individual portion presentation. You could even spoon Put on Grits Recipe onto a warm skillet, topped with a poached egg and a drizzle of hollandaise sauce, turning it into a stunning brunch centerpiece that’s sure to wow your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare with this recipe), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The grits will firm up, which makes them perfect for reheating later or even slicing into cakes for frying.
Freezing
Put on Grits Recipe can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze the cooked grits in a shallow container, leaving room for expansion, and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftover grits gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often and adding a splash of water or milk to bring back the creamy texture. You can also microwave them in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming without drying out.
FAQs
What type of grits is best for this recipe?
Stone ground grits are the best choice for Put on Grits Recipe because they provide a hearty texture and richer flavor that instant or quick-cooking grits just can’t match. The slow cooking process really brings out their full character.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can certainly try using dairy-free butter, milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, and omit the cheese for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be different but still satisfying with some tweaks.
Is this recipe suitable for breakfast only?
Not at all! While it’s a classic breakfast dish, Put on Grits Recipe works great as a savory side any time of day — brunch, lunch, or dinner — especially alongside grilled meats or seafood.
Can I add other proteins besides bacon?
Absolutely. Cooked sausage, shrimp, or even diced ham make fantastic additions to Put on Grits, giving it heartier flavors and making it a more filling meal.
How can I make my grits extra creamy?
For ultra creamy grits, try substituting half the water with milk or cream, and make sure to stir frequently during cooking. The butter and cheese also help create that indulgent, smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Put on Grits Recipe — it’s a comforting fusion of creamy, cheesy richness with just the right touch of spice and savory bacon if you like. Whether you’re enjoying it as a hearty breakfast or a relaxing brunch, this recipe always delivers warmth, satisfaction, and a little bit of Southern charm in every bite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
Print
Put on Grits Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Put on Grits is a creamy, comforting Southern American breakfast dish featuring stone ground grits cooked to perfection with butter, sharp cheddar cheese, milk, and eggs. Enhanced with seasoned flavors and optional bacon, it delivers a warm and hearty start to your day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup stone ground grits
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Water and Add Salt: Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the salt to season the cooking liquid.
- Whisk in Grits: Slowly whisk in the stone ground grits to prevent lumps from forming, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Simmer Grits: Reduce the heat to low and cook the grits, stirring frequently, for 15 to 20 minutes until they are thick and tender, achieving the perfect creamy consistency.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, milk, black pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Eggs: While the grits are still hot, slowly stir in the beaten eggs, mixing quickly so they blend smoothly into the mixture, enriching the texture.
- Add Bacon (Optional): Mix in the crumbled cooked bacon if using to add a savory, smoky flavor.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy grits into serving bowls and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, mild bite before serving.
Notes
- For extra creamy grits, substitute half of the water with milk.
- You can add cooked sausage or shrimp for a heartier Southern style dish.
- Stone ground grits deliver the best flavor and texture.
