Southern Grits with Butter and Sharp Cheddar
Creamy, slow-simmered Southern grits enriched with butter and sharp cheddar for a classic American comfort side. This method explains why low heat, steady whisking, and proper seasoning matter for a smooth, spoonable bowl.
Grits are a cornerstone of Southern American cooking—simple corn, water, salt, and time, transformed into something deeply comforting. The key lesson is patience: grits need gentle heat to fully hydrate and turn creamy. Sharp cheddar and butter aren’t just add-ins; they provide richness and a tangy backbone that makes the corn flavor pop.
Total Time
30 min
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
25 min
Servings
4
Ingredients
Grits Base
- •4 cups water (or 3 cups water + 1 cup whole milk for extra richness)
- •1 cup stone-ground grits (not instant)
- •1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- •1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Finish
- •3 Tbsp unsalted butter, plus more for serving
- •1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (about 6 oz)
- •1/4 to 1/2 cup warm milk or warm water, as needed to loosen
Instructions
- 1
Bring the water (or water + milk) to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the salt.
- 2
While whisking steadily, slowly rain in the grits. Keep whisking for 30–60 seconds to prevent clumps.
- 3
Reduce heat to low so the grits barely simmer. Cover partially and cook 20–30 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom every 3–5 minutes. (Stone-ground grits are done when thick, creamy, and no longer taste gritty.)
- 4
If the grits get too thick before they’re tender, whisk in a splash of warm milk or warm water and continue cooking.
- 5
Turn off the heat. Stir in the butter until melted, then add the cheddar in handfuls, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and optional black pepper. Serve hot with an extra pat of butter; if holding for a few minutes, loosen with a little warm liquid before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition calculated automatically from ingredients.