The Paula Deen Cheese Grits Recipe is rich, creamy and full of Southern flavor. It is warm and comforting. This Paula Deen Cheese Grits Recipe is perfect for breakfast or dinner. The texture is smooth and cheesy.
Many families love this classic dish. Today, I will show you How to make Paula Deen Cheese Grits at home. You only need simple Ingredients for Paula Deen Cheese Grits Recipe.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this recipe for a weekend brunch. I wanted something simple and filling. The cheese melts beautifully into the grits. The butter adds deep flavor. Every bite feels creamy and soft.
My family loved it with fried eggs. It also tastes great with grilled chicken.Now I make this Paula Deen Cheese Grits Recipe often. It never disappoints.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Cheese Grits
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Course: Breakfast or Side Dish
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 310 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater
- Serving bowl
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Cheese Grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil the Water
Pour 4 cups of water into a medium saucepan. Add salt. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Add the Grits
Slowly pour grits into the boiling water. Stir constantly while adding. This prevents lumps. Reduce heat to low once all grits are mixed in.
3. Cook the Grits
Let the grits cook on low heat for 20 minutes. Stir every few minutes. The mixture will thicken slowly and become smooth.
4. Add Butter
Add butter to the hot grits. Stir well until fully melted. The butter will make the grits richer and smoother.
5. Add Milk and Seasoning
Pour in the milk. Add black pepper and garlic powder. Stir everything well. The milk helps make the texture creamy.
6. Add the Cheese
Add grated cheddar cheese slowly. Stir until the cheese melts completely. The grits should look smooth, creamy and cheesy.
7. Adjust Texture
If grits are too thick, add a little warm milk. Stir gently. Cook for two more minutes until perfect consistency.
8. Serve Hot
Remove from heat. Spoon into serving bowls. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for best taste and texture.
Recipe Tips
- Use stone-ground grits for best texture.
- Stir often to prevent lumps.
- Always add cheese while grits are hot.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for slight heat.
- Do not cook on high heat. It may burn.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Calcium | 220 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Paula Deen Cheese Grits Recipe warm and fresh. It tastes great with fried eggs for breakfast. You can also serve it with crispy bacon.
For dinner, pair it with grilled shrimp or roasted chicken. The creamy texture balances savory dishes well. This dish is perfect for family meals or holiday brunch.
Best Sides To Serve With
Fried chicken is a classic Southern pairing. Grilled shrimp also works beautifully. Sausage links are perfect for breakfast.
Collard greens add balance to the richness. A fresh green salad keeps the meal light. Roasted vegetables also taste great with cheesy grits.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover grits in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Grits become thick after cooling. This is normal. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or water. Stir gently until smooth and hot.
Paula Deen Cheese Grits Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder optional
Instructions
Boil the Water
- Pour 4 cups of water into a medium saucepan. Add salt. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the Grits
- Slowly pour grits into the boiling water. Stir constantly while adding. This prevents lumps. Reduce heat to low once all grits are mixed in.
Cook the Grits
- Let the grits cook on low heat for 20 minutes. Stir every few minutes. The mixture will thicken slowly and become smooth.
Add Butter
- Add butter to the hot grits. Stir well until fully melted. The butter will make the grits richer and smoother.
Add Milk and Seasoning
- Pour in the milk. Add black pepper and garlic powder. Stir everything well. The milk helps make the texture creamy.
Add the Cheese
- Add grated cheddar cheese slowly. Stir until the cheese melts completely. The grits should look smooth, creamy and cheesy.
Adjust Texture
- If grits are too thick, add a little warm milk. Stir gently. Cook for two more minutes until perfect consistency.
Serve Hot
- Remove from heat. Spoon into serving bowls. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for best texture.
- Stir often to prevent lumps.
- Always add cheese while grits are hot.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for slight heat.
- Do not cook on high heat. It may burn.
Read More: Paula Deen Broccoli Slaw Recipe
FAQs about Paula Deen Cheese Grits Recipe
1. Can I use quick grits instead of stone-ground?
Yes, you can use quick grits. Cooking time will be shorter. However, stone-ground grits give better texture and flavor.
2. Why are my grits lumpy?
Lumps form when grits are added too quickly. Always pour slowly while stirring constantly to avoid clumps.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it earlier. Store in the fridge. Reheat with extra milk to restore creamy texture.
4. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar works best. It gives strong flavor. You can also mix cheddar with Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
5. Can I make it more creamy?
Yes, add more butter or a splash of heavy cream. Stir well while hot for extra smooth texture.
Conclusion
The Paula Deen Cheese Grits Recipe is simple, creamy and comforting. It uses easy ingredients and clear steps. Now you know How to make Paula Deen Cheese Grits at home.
The Ingredients for Paula Deen Cheese Grits Recipe are basic and affordable. Try this warm Southern favorite soon. Your family will love every cheesy bite.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
