Southern-Style Creamy Grits

I tasted grits for the very first time at a tiny diner in Georgia about fifteen years ago. I only ordered them because everyone else at the table seemed shocked I hadn’t. When I asked the waitress what they were, she stared at me like I’d just questioned whether gravity was optional.

Fast-forward to today, and I make grits several times a week. It still makes me laugh—something I tried on a whim has become one of my top comfort foods.

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Creamy Southern Grits

📝 Ingredients

Base

• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ Tbsp salt (plus extra if needed)
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 1 cup stone-ground or quick grits (avoid instant)
• ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature

Optional Toppings

• More butter & black pepper (classic)
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar + cooked bacon pieces (cheese grits)
• Maple syrup or brown sugar (sweet grits)
• Sautéed shrimp (for shrimp & grits)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

For Stone-Ground Grits

1. Combine the water and salt in a medium pot. Add 1 Tbsp butter and bring to a strong boil.
2. Stir in the grits for about 30 seconds.
3. Partially cover, lower the heat to medium (or medium-low if your stove runs hot), and cook for 15 minutes, stirring often so the grits don’t stick.
4. Remove the lid and add the remaining 3 Tbsp butter, stirring until melted.
5. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream, adding about 2 Tbsp at a time and mixing well after each addition.
6. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble and pop, roughly another 15 minutes.
7. Take off the heat, taste, adjust the seasoning, and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

For Quick Grits

1. In a medium pot, mix the water and salt. Add 1 Tbsp butter and bring to a rolling boil.
2. Stir in the grits for about 30 seconds.
3. Partially cover and reduce to medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove the lid and add the last 3 Tbsp butter.
5. Pour in the heavy cream gradually, 2 Tbsp at a time, stirring as you go.
6. Continue cooking until the texture thickens and begins to sputter, about 3–5 minutes.
7. Remove from heat, adjust seasoning, and serve with your toppings of choice.

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🔑 Tips & Notes

• Skip instant grits—they won’t give you the right consistency.
• Frequent stirring prevents scorching.
• Room-temperature cream blends better and keeps the texture smooth.
• Chicken broth adds depth to savory versions; water is ideal if you want sweet grits.
• Too thick? Add a little more cream. Too thin? Cook a bit longer.
• Stone-ground grits offer more flavor but require more time.
• Quick grits are convenient and widely available.

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✨ Whether you prefer them savory with cheese and bacon or sweetened with maple syrup, grits are endlessly adaptable and always comforting.