The Best Grits We’ve Made

How to make grits that are creamy, rich, and flavorful. We asked Chef Richard for his grits recipe, perfected over 20 years in Southern kitchens. These are so good!

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Grits are a classic Southern dish made from coarsely ground corn. My family loves them! If you’re not familiar with grits, they have a texture similar to creamy porridge or polenta.

I highly recommend Richard’s grits! They’re amazing! This recipe is the best one I’ve tried so far, and it’s perfect as a side dish or for breakfast. I love them with poached eggs, bacon, or sausage, but you can also top them with shrimp to make classic shrimp and grits.

Key Ingredients

To make Richard’s Southern-style grits recipe, use a 1:4 ratio of grits to liquid and add butter (a must) and cream (optional but delicious). See tips in the recipe for cheesy grits.

• Stone-ground grits: These offer the absolute best flavor and texture.
• Chicken stock or water: Stock bumps the savory factor. Stick with water if you plan to add something sweet like brown sugar or honey.
• Butter: My college roommate Jodi (who grew up eating Southern grits) swore by the power of butter in grits. Trust me, it’s not optional!
• Cream: Add a splash of cream for the creamiest grits.
• Salt and pepper: Salt is crucial to bring out the flavor. If the taste doesn’t pop, add a bit more salt. Don’t skimp on the pepper (another trick I learned from my roommate and Richard).

How to Make the Best Grits

Making grits is easy! First, bring your liquid to a boil before adding the grits. I use chicken stock, but you can use water.

Then, whisk the grits into the boiling liquid in a steady stream and continue whisking for about 2 minutes. Whisking like this prevents lumpy grits and makes them super creamy.

Now add some salt, pepper, butter, and cream. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the grits for about 20 minutes (possibly longer, depending on your brand of grits), whisking occasionally. Using low heat prevents messy splatters and keeps our grits creamy.

As the grits sit, they will thicken. If your grits are too thick, add more hot liquid and stir until your desired consistency. If they are too thin, continue simmering uncovered until some liquid evaporates.

Storing Grits

Cooked grits can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can reheat the grits on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a splash of liquid to make them creamy again.

Ways to Serve Grits

I love grits for breakfast. Top them with eggs. I love poached eggs, but fried or scrambled eggs work, too. You can also add some cooked bacon or sausage. Grits are usually kept for savory dishes, but I know many people who love adding something sweet like honey butter, apple butter, or brown sugar.

One of the most classic grits dishes is shrimp and grits, which has perfectly cooked shrimp and a savory spiced sauce (it’s pretty delicious).

Grits also make an excellent side dish. They are super versatile and work nicely alongside grilled chicken, meats, fish like salmon, or cooked vegetables like sautéed greens. I also love them with these hot honey chicken meatballs.