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Southern Style Grits

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White corn grits are a beloved Southern staple made from dried, ground kernels of white corn. This variety of grits offers a subtly sweet and delicate flavor profile, distinguishing it from its yellow corn counterpart. Known for its creamy texture and smooth consistency when cooked, white corn grits yield a comforting and indulgent dish that appeals to a wide range of palates. The milling process for white corn grits typically involves stone grinding, preserving the natural flavors and nutrients of the corn while producing a fine yet slightly grainy texture. This traditional method ensures that each spoonful of white corn grits offers a satisfying mouthfeel and a taste reminiscent of homestyle cooking.

Versatile and easy to prepare, white corn grits serve as a versatile canvas for a variety of savory and sweet dishes. Whether served as a comforting breakfast staple topped with butter, cheese, or bacon, or as a hearty side dish accompanying seafood, poultry, or vegetables, white corn grits add depth and richness to any meal. Their light color and smooth texture make them an elegant and visually appealing addition to the plate, enhancing the overall dining experience. With their subtle sweetness and comforting warmth, white corn grits embody the essence of Southern hospitality and culinary tradition, inviting diners to savor every spoonful and enjoy a taste of Southern comfort at its finest.

Southern Style Grits

With their subtle sweetness and comforting warmth, white corn grits embody the essence of Southern hospitality and culinary tradition, inviting diners to savor every spoonful and enjoy a taste of Southern comfort at its finest.

Author: Rhonda Gillihan Courses: , , , , Recipe Keys: Gluten Free
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Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 35 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6 Calories: 312 Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil over medium-high heat.

  2. Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

  3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the grits, stirring occasionally, until they begin to thicken, about 5 minutes.

  4. Stir in the milk and continue to cook the grits, stirring frequently, until they reach your desired consistency, about 20-25 minutes. If the grits become too thick, you can add more milk or water as needed.

  5. Once the grits are creamy and tender, stir in the unsalted butter until melted. 

  6. Serve the creamy grits hot, as a comforting breakfast side dish or base for other savory creations.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 7.3 oz

Servings 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 312kcal
Calories from Fat 219kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25.7g40%
Saturated Fat 6.6g33%
Cholesterol 16mg6%
Sodium 262mg11%
Potassium 278mg8%
Total Carbohydrate 14.36g5%
Dietary Fiber 3.7g15%
Sugars 4.11g
Protein 10g20%
Vitamin A 277 IU
Calcium 271 mg
Iron 1.11 mg
Vitamin D 4 IU
Vitamin E 0.26 IU
Vitamin K 0.6 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

  1. Choice of Grits:

    • Stone-ground grits are recommended for their superior texture and flavor that instant grits do not offer. I prefer the Bob's Red Mill Creamy White Corn Grits. Sometimes they are hard to find in local stores. If you are having a hard time finding them locally, you can order them on Amazon.

  2. Liquid Ratio:

    • Gradually whisk the grits into the boiling water or broth to prevent lumps from forming and ensure a smooth texture.
    • Start with the recommended amount of liquid in the recipe, but feel free to adjust as needed based on personal preference for thicker or thinner grits.

  3. Consistency:

    • The cooked grits should be creamy and tender, with a smooth texture. They should not be overly thick or thin.
    • If the grits become too thick during cooking, simply add more liquid (water or milk) until the desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if the grits are too thin, continue cooking until they thicken to the desired consistency.

  4. Butter Incorporation:

    • Stir in the unsalted butter at the end of cooking to ensure it fully melts and evenly distributes throughout the grits.
    • The butter adds richness and flavor to the grits, so don't skip this step!

  5. Seasoning:

    • Taste the cooked grits and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal preference before serving.
    • Remember that proper seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor of the grits, so don't be afraid to season generously.
    • Though these grits are perfect without adding an abundance of salt and pepper before serving. Not everyone likes salt and pepper so I recommend serving this as a base and let the individual add salt and pepper in their own individual servings.

  6. Serving Suggestions:

    • Get creative with toppings and garnishes! Consider topping the grits with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, or even a poached egg for added flavor and texture.
    • Grits are versatile and can be served as a side dish or as a base for other savory creations, so feel free to experiment with different serving options.

  7. Storage and Reheating:

    • Store any leftover grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
    • When reheating, gently heat the grits on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of liquid (water or milk) to restore their creaminess and prevent them from drying out.

Suggested Pairing:

Keywords: gluten free, corn grits, southern style grits, white corn grits, creamy grits recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
I like my grits sweet. What can I add to my grits for sweetness?

If you prefer sweeter grits, you have a couple of options for adding sweetness. You can incorporate sweeteners while cooking the grits by adding ingredients like sugar, honey, or maple syrup to the cooking liquid. Alternatively, you can serve the grits as a neutral base and allow individuals to customize their sweetness level by adding sweeteners to their individual servings. This approach allows for greater flexibility, accommodating different taste preferences among your guests.

Besides breakfast, what are other ways I can serve grits?

While grits are commonly associated with breakfast, they can also be enjoyed in a variety of savory and sweet dishes throughout the day. Here are some alternative ways to serve grits:

  1. As a Side Dish: Grits can accompany a wide range of savory dishes, including grilled or roasted meats, seafood, and vegetables. Serve creamy grits alongside dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, barbecue, or braised short ribs for a hearty and satisfying meal.

  2. In Casseroles and Bakes: Grits can be used as a base or topping in casseroles and bakes. Try incorporating cooked grits into dishes like cheesy grits casserole, grits and greens bake, or grits breakfast bake for a comforting and filling dish that's perfect for brunch or dinner.

  3. In Soups and Stews: Grits can add thickness and heartiness to soups and stews. Use cooked grits as a thickener in recipes like gumbo, chowder, or vegetable soup, or stir in cooked grits for added texture and flavor in hearty bean or lentil stews.

  4. As a Dessert: Sweetened grits can be transformed into a delicious dessert. Serve sweet grits topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a unique and satisfying sweet treat.

  5. In Grits Cakes or Fritters: Cooked grits can be shaped into patties or formed into balls and fried to create crispy grits cakes or fritters. Serve them as appetizers, a side dish, or a light meal, accompanied by dipping sauces or flavorful toppings.

By exploring these creative ways to serve grits, you can enjoy their versatility and delicious flavor in a variety of dishes beyond breakfast.

Should I use Yellow Corn Grits or White Corn Grits?

The choice between stone-ground white corn grits and yellow corn grits largely comes down to personal preference and the flavor and texture you prefer in your grits. Here's a comparison to help you decide:

  1. Stone-Ground White Corn Grits:

    • Flavor: Stone-ground white corn grits tend to have a milder flavor compared to yellow corn grits. They offer a slightly sweeter and more delicate taste, which some people prefer.
    • Texture: White corn grits typically result in a smoother and creamier texture when cooked. They may have a more subtle graininess compared to yellow corn grits.
    • Appearance: White corn grits have a lighter color compared to yellow corn grits, which can be visually appealing, especially if you're serving the grits as part of a dish where appearance matters.

  2. Yellow Corn Grits:

    • Flavor: Yellow corn grits have a slightly stronger and more pronounced corn flavor compared to white corn grits. They offer a richer and more robust taste, which some people enjoy.
    • Texture: Yellow corn grits may have a slightly coarser texture compared to white corn grits. They can result in grits with a more pronounced graininess, which some people prefer for added texture.
    • Appearance: Yellow corn grits have a deeper, golden color compared to white corn grits. This vibrant hue can add visual interest to dishes, especially if you're serving the grits as a side or base for other ingredients.

Ultimately, both types of corn grits can be delicious and versatile in various recipes. Consider experimenting with both to see which you prefer or choose based on the specific dish you're preparing and the flavor and texture profile you desire.

Can I Freeze Grits for later use?

Yes, you can freeze cooked grits for longer-term storage. Here's the best method to ensure safe storage and how to reheat them:

  1. Cooling: Allow the cooked grits to cool completely to room temperature before freezing. This helps prevent condensation and ice crystals from forming, which can affect the texture of the grits.

  2. Portioning: Divide the cooled grits into individual or family-sized portions based on your preference. You can use freezer-safe containers, resealable bags, or even a silicone muffin pans for smaller portions. Freeze up to overnight (24 hours) before transferring to a freezer safe container.

  3. Packaging: Transfer the portions of frozen grits into airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.

  4. Labeling: Label each container or bag with the date of preparation to keep track of the storage time. This will help you use the grits within a reasonable timeframe for the best quality. 

  5. Freezing: Place the labeled containers or bags of grits in the freezer and freeze them for up to 2 to 3 months for optimal quality. Grits can typically be frozen for longer periods, but the texture may deteriorate over time.

  6. Reheating: When ready to enjoy the frozen grits, remove the desired portion from the freezer and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can thaw the grits in the microwave using the defrost setting or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

  7. Adding Liquid: As the grits thaw, they may thicken or become dry. To restore their creaminess and texture, add a splash of liquid (such as water, milk, or broth) and gently reheat the grits on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.

By following these steps, you can safely freeze cooked grits for future use and enjoy them with minimal effort when ready to serve.

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