20 Grits Recipe Ideas That Are Perfect for Beginners

A staple in Southern cooking and a popular ingredient in traditional Native American recipes, grits are a tasty and versatile food! They’re often eaten for breakfast but can also be used to make delicious savory meals. If you’re not familiar with grits or you’ve only had them cooked a few different ways, it’s time to expand your horizons! Take a look at these delicious grits ideas before you plan out your next weekly menu!

What are grits?

Grits are made from ground corn. They come in both yellow and white varieties, and there are several different versions to choose from. This includes:

• Stoneground. Also called “old-fashioned” grits, these are ground with the hull intact. This gives them a more pronounced flavor and a courser texture. They’re also more perishable than other versions, making it best to store them in the freezer.
• Quick-cooking. These are more finely ground, which helps them cook faster.
• Instant. These grits are pre-cooked and dehydrated, so you can quickly cook them by simply re-hydrating them with water.
• Hominy. These are made from corn that has been soaked in an alkaline solution to soften the hull. Then, the hull is removed before the kernels are dried and stone-ground.
• Heirloom. These are made from different varieties of corn, such as blue corn.

Grits breakfast ideas

There are many different ways to cook grits for breakfast! These simple recipes are sure to inspire you:

1. Hominy breakfast grits

To make this recipe, start by adding hominy grits to boiling water, then simmer it for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Once the grits are cooked, add butter, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir it until the cheese and butter are melted, and enjoy!

2. Grits pudding

If you’ve got an early-morning sweet tooth, you’ll love this recipe for grits pudding. Raisins and dried apricots give it sweetness and texture, while cardamom- and cinnamon-spiced coconut milk gives it a decadent flavor.

3. Cheese grit breakfast bowls

To make this delicious and filling breakfast, start by cooking quick grits according to the package directions and adding garlic and salt. Remove the grits from the heat and stir in cheddar or gouda cheese, butter, and milk. Spoon the grits into a bowl and top them with everything bagel seasoning, 2 freshly fried eggs, and a handful of arugula.

4. Honey nut breakfast grits

To make this sweet and tasty recipe, add honey and butter to your grits while cooking them. When it’s done cooking, add your grits to a bowl and top it with toasted almonds.

5. Sweet breakfast grits

Prepare quick-cook grits according to the directions for an easy and sweet breakfast, then top them with blueberries and walnuts. You can also make your own version by adding various combinations of raisins, maple syrup, jam, berries, almonds, or peanut butter. Feel free to experiment with different mixtures, so you never get bored!

6. Savory breakfast grits

If you prefer a savory breakfast, try topping your quick-cook grits with a combination of cooked and chopped bacon, cheese, and scallions. Or, make your own creation by combining caramelized onions, tomatoes, scallions, roasted red peppers, herbs, or fried eggs. By mixing and matching, you’ll be able to enjoy a different breakfast every morning!

Savory grits snack recipes

Since grits have such a mild flavor, they easily take on other seasonings in a dish. This makes them the perfect addition to a variety of savory recipes! Check out these savory grits recipe ideas:

1. Goat cheese grits soufflé

These individual goat cheese grits soufflés are easy to make and super decadent! The addition of bacon makes them perfect for brunch, or they make an excellent side to serve during an elegant dinner party.

2. Crispy grits cakes

To make crispy grits cakes, start by cooking your grits in broth and water, then add sharp cheddar cheese and butter. Spread the mixture evenly on a greased baking sheet and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Then cut it into squares and put them on a baking sheet lined with greased aluminum foil. Brush the tops with melted butter and broil them for 5-7 minutes until they’re warm, golden, and crispy!

3. Grits dumplings

A simple and delicious addition to various soup recipes, grits dumplings are much like traditional dumplings, except you’ll replace the bulk of the flour with quick-cooking grits. You can easily change the spices used in the recipe to complement the type of soup you’re making.

4. Goat cheese grits with fresh corn

To make this recipe, start by boiling water, salt, and pepper. Add quick grits and fresh corn kernels. Cook on medium-low for about 5 minutes until it’s thickened, then stir in goat cheese and fresh chives. Sprinkle additional goat cheese and chives on top as a garnish.

5. Seasoned cheddar grits with andouille and tomatoes

This recipe for cheddar grits is super creamy and flavorful. It’s also quite rich, so plan on serving it with a simple green salad topped with vinaigrette dressing.

6. Green grits

Give your grits a healthy twist! To make this recipe, put collard greens or kale in the food processor with a large green onion until it forms a paste. Cook your grits for about 15 minutes, then stir in the greens, mix and simmer it for an additional 10-15 minutes. Remove them from the heat, stir in butter and black pepper, then top it with a freshly poached egg.

7. Southwestern shrimp and grits

A Tex-Mex version of the classic southern dish, this recipe for Southwestern shrimp and grits is always a crowd-pleaser! Serve it with a side salad and lime dressing.

8. Slow-cooker loaded grits

This recipe is delicious and easy to make! Just put grits, water, cheddar cheese, and cooked and crumbled bacon in the slow cooker. Season it with salt and pepper and let it cook on high for about 3 hours. Then, add butter, sliced green onions, cheddar cheese, and more cooked and crumbled bacon.

9. Lemon garlic shrimp and grits

To make this classic dish, season cooked instant grits with parmesan cheese and butter. Cook shrimp in a skillet with butter, cayenne pepper, and garlic. When the shrimp is pink, remove the pan from the heat and add water, lemon juice, and parsley. Toss the shrimp until it’s coated in the sauce, then place the shrimp and sauce on the cooked grits.

10. Baked cheese grits

Once you make these cheese grits, you’ll want to cook them all the time. Start by cooking grits in water and broth, then stir in grated cheese and butter. Let it cool a bit, then beat in eggs and transfer the mixture to a buttered casserole dish. Bake for about 1 hour, until it’s just set and slightly browned.

Sweet grits recipes

You might be surprised to learn you can also make desserts with grits! Try experimenting with some of these tasty recipes:

1. Grits cookies

Grits cookies are delicious and easy to make. The lemon zest gives them the perfect amount of tang, and the handmade lemon frosting is absolutely incredible!

2. Grits pie 

For a delicious grits pie, you’ll start by making a delightful filling using quick-cooking grits, butter, sugar, flour, eggs, and buttermilk. Pour it into a pre-made pie crust and bake. Once it’s cooled, serve it with whipped cream and strawberries or orange slices!

3. Southern grits pudding

This classic recipe for southern grits pudding combines coconut milk, honey, quick-cooking oats, and delicious sweet treats like dried apricots, raisins. It’s topped with salted, roasted pistachios for the perfect bit of salt and crunch!

4. Spiced pumpkin grits

Enjoy the fall flavors by cooking grits in water and milk, then adding buttermilk, unsalted butter, canned pumpkin, pumpkin pie mix, pure maple syrup, and black pepper. Top the mixture with spiced pecans.

Enjoy grits with your next meal!

Are you excited to start making some of these delicious grits recipe ideas? If so, you’ll be glad to know you can try them all without ever going to the grocery store! Just head over to Instacart, add all the ingredients to your list and let a professional shopper buy everything for you.

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