Southern-Style Sharp Cheddar Cheese Grits
Creamy Southern cheese grits made with stone-ground grits, butter, milk, and sharp cheddar cheese is a classic Southern comfort food perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Servings 4 people
Calories 420kcal
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1 cup stone-ground grits white preferred
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1½ –2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne or white pepper optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water, milk, and salt to a gentle boil.
- Slowly whisk in the grits, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes, or until grits are thick, creamy, and
- tender.
- Stir in the butter until melted.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar until smooth and fully melted.
- Season with black pepper and cayenne (if using). Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Notes
- Always shred your own cheese for the smoothest texture.
- If grits become too thick, stir in a splash of warm milk.
- For extra-creamy grits, add 1–2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a drizzle of heavy cream.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup prepared | Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 620mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 162IU | Calcium: 390mg | Iron: 1.1mg
