Why You’ll Love these Creamy Homemade Grits
Whether you’re a born-and-raised Southerner or just dipping your toes into Southern cuisine, these creamy homemade grits will become your new breakfast obsession. I’m talking about velvety, comforting goodness that warms you from the inside out.
What makes these grits special? The perfect balance of water and milk creates that signature creamy texture, while the slow-simmering method guarantees they’re never lumpy or bland.
Want to kick things up? Add some sharp cheddar or minced garlic at the end.
They’re ridiculously simple to make, too—just four ingredients and about 15 minutes. Who says comfort food has to be complicated?
What Ingredients are in Creamy Homemade Grits?
The beauty of authentic Southern grits lies in their simplicity. Just a handful of humble ingredients transform into something truly special when combined properly. This classic recipe doesn’t require fancy additions or complicated techniques—it’s all about letting the natural creaminess of properly cooked grits shine through.
And trust me, once you make these from scratch, those instant packets will never satisfy you again.
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup grits
While this basic recipe creates perfectly delicious grits, don’t be afraid to customize based on what’s in your pantry. Some folks swear by using all milk for extra richness, while others prefer the lighter touch of water only.
The salt measurement is just a starting point—you might prefer a touch more depending on your taste buds.
And remember those optional add-ins mentioned in the recipe? A handful of sharp cheddar or a clove of minced garlic stirred in right at the end can take these grits from breakfast staple to dinner-worthy side dish in seconds.
How to Make these Creamy Homemade Grits
Making perfect homemade grits couldn’t be simpler, but there’s a certain rhythm to the process that guarantees creamy results every time.
Start by combining 1 cup water and 1 cup milk in a medium saucepan, then add 1/4 teaspoon salt. This combination of liquids creates the perfect balance—the water helps the grits cook properly while the milk adds that signature Southern creaminess we’re after.
Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over (milk has a sneaky habit of doing exactly that when you turn your back for just a second).
Once your liquid is bubbling away, it’s time for the star of the show: 1 cup of grits.
Pour them in slowly while stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming—nobody wants lumpy grits on their breakfast plate, right? The mixture will begin to thicken almost immediately, which is your cue to reduce the heat to low.
Cover the pot with a lid and let the grits simmer gently for about 10 minutes, giving them an occasional stir to make sure they’re not sticking to the bottom of the pan.
The transformation is quite remarkable, from those hard little granules to a velvety smooth porridge that’s the definition of comfort food.
If you’re feeling indulgent, this is when you can stir in some grated cheddar cheese or minced garlic, letting the residual heat melt everything together into something truly magical.
Creamy Homemade Grits Substitutions and Variations
Looking to put your own spin on traditional grits? I’ve got some delicious twists for you.
While the recipe calls for half water, half milk, you can go full milk for extra creaminess or use chicken broth for savory depth. Don’t have regular grits? Quick-cooking varieties work in a pinch, just reduce cooking time.
Beyond the suggested cheddar and garlic additions, consider stirring in crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions.
For a coastal flair, fold in shrimp and a dash of hot sauce. Vegetarians might enjoy roasted corn kernels and diced jalapeños for a southwestern kick. The possibilities are truly endless.
What to Serve with Creamy Homemade Grits
Now that we’ve explored all those tasty variations, let’s talk about what pairs perfectly with your bowl of creamy grits.
I’m a firm believer that shrimp and grits are a match made in Southern heaven. Those plump, juicy shrimp nestled atop buttery grits? Divine.
For breakfast, crispy bacon and runny eggs create the perfect savory companion. Craving something heartier? Try braised short ribs or spicy sausage with your grits.
Vegetables work beautifully too – sautéed greens like collards or kale cut through the richness, while roasted tomatoes add a pop of acidity.
And honestly, who can resist a side of crusty bread for sopping up every last bite?
Final Thoughts
After you’ve mastered this simple grits recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the instant stuff at the grocery store. There’s something magical about watching those coarse grains transform into a creamy, comforting bowl of Southern goodness.
I love how versatile grits can be—dressed up with cheese and garlic or served simply with butter. They’re economical, too, stretching your grocery budget while filling hungry bellies. Just like with making a flavorful chicken dish, the key is in proper browning technique to develop those rich, complex flavors.
And once you’ve perfected grits, you might want to expand your culinary repertoire by trying a traditional Spanish paella recipe featuring saffron and a delicious combination of proteins.
