Ultimate Creamy Southern Cheese Grits (Stovetop with Sharp Cheddar)
Make rich, creamy Southern cheese grits on the stovetop using sharp cheddar for the best flavor. This recipe yields smooth, savory grits perfect for breakfast or as a side dish.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup stone ground grits (not instant)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for extra melt)
Instructions
- Combine water, milk, salt, and pepper in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the saucepan and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to keep the grits from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the grits are thick and tender, remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in the butter until it melts completely.
- Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese (if using). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the grits are smooth and creamy.
- Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use stone ground or old-fashioned grits for the best texture; instant grits will not achieve this creamy result.
- Shred your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- For richer flavor, substitute half of the water with chicken or vegetable broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 55