Southern Style Grits
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.
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.
- 2 cups Water
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 cup Stone Ground White Corn Grits (polenta, see notes)
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (real butter provides best flavor)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the grits, stirring occasionally, until they begin to thicken, about 5 minutes.
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.
Once the grits are creamy and tender, stir in the unsalted butter until melted.
Serve the creamy grits hot, as a comforting breakfast side dish or base for other savory creations.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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:
- Serve as a side dish for breakfast with your preferred meat source (bacon, sausage, or canadian bacon), eggs and one of these Gluten Free Buttermilk Pancakes or Gluten Free Buttermilk Waffles!