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Ultimate Creamy Southern Cheese Grits with Sharp Cheddar

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy, yellow cheese grits topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
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Make rich, comforting Southern Cheese Grits on the stovetop. This recipe uses sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream to guarantee a smooth, velvety texture perfect for breakfast or as a savory side dish.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup stone ground grits
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Bring the water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
  2. Slowly whisk in the stone ground grits to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low immediately.
  3. Cover the saucepan and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to keep the grits from sticking to the bottom. The grits should absorb most of the liquid and become thick.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter until it melts completely.
  5. Add the heavy cream and stir until incorporated.
  6. Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted and smooth before adding the next batch.
  7. Stir in the black pepper. Taste and add more salt if needed.
  8. Serve the creamy cheese grits immediately as a comforting breakfast or a classic Southern side dish.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese for the best melting quality and flavor; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the water with milk or use chicken broth instead of water.
  • If the grits become too thick while resting, stir in a splash of hot water or milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/creamy-southern-cheese-grits-recipe/