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!
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.
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.
The Best Grits We've Made
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These creamy homemade grits are delicious. Use stock for savory dishes and water for sweet. I love using stone-ground grits in our recipe, which are known for their rich corn flavor and slightly coarser texture.
Grits are similar to polenta or porridge made from coarsely ground corn (often dried hominy). They are a classic Southern dish with a creamy texture and a mild corn flavor.
Watch Us Make the Recipe
You Will Need
1 cup (165g) stone-ground grits
4 cups (945ml) chicken or vegetable stock, try homemade chicken stock or veggie stock
4 tablespoons (55g) unsalted butter
1/4 cup (60ml) cream
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Directions
1Bring the stock to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the grits, then keep whisking for 2 minutes to avoid clumping.
2When they begin to thicken, reduce the heat to a low simmer (helps to prevent splattering). Whisk in the butter, cream, salt, and pepper.
3Continue to cook at a very low simmer until thickened, whisking occasionally. Expect a cooking time around 20 minutes, depending on the brand and how coarsely your grits are ground (see tips). Continue simmering on low if they need to thicken further. The longer you keep them on the heat, the more they thicken.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Cook time varies by brand: We used Bob’s Red Mill in the photos and video, and they took 20 minutes. Larger ground grits, like Anson Mills will need longer to cook, same with Marsh Hen Mill, formerly Geechie Boy Mill. Watch for them to be cooked and tender with some structure left, if they are mushy, you’ve cooked them too long.
- Storing: 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.
- How to make cheese grits: Stir in your favorite shredded cheese at the end of cooking for cheesy grits (use 1/2 cup to 1 cup). I especially love sharp white cheddar, parmesan, or smoked Gouda. Some of our readers have also suggested cream cheese in grits.
- Non-savory dishes: Use water instead of stock when serving with sweeter items like brown sugar, honey, or fruits.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.
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It tasted good.👍
I have not had grits often, but I must say, this is the best recipe I have ever tried. I do believe the chicken stock added so much flavor and I’m so glad I didn’t omit the cream and butter. So, so good. It was the first time my adult son tried grits and he said he would “definitely eat that again”. Thank you for the delicious recipe.
I use to say I didn’t like grits. Truth is I never had really tried them. My husband fixed some, with salt pepper and cheddar cheese. Well I would keep asking for another spoon full. That was yrs ago. Lately I’ve been wanting grits. This recipe made the BEST GRITS EVERRRR!!! I’ve had other grits , but I’m telling you, the stick ( I used chicken stock ) that’s what really made the difference. I forgot to get cream and used milk instead and it was the BOMB as kids use to say. You won’t be disappointed I promise you.
I’m a huge fan of grits. I use the same ratio of grits to liquid, but use half water half milk. Butter and cheese (cottage cheese is great too!) and a splash of hot sauce. S&P to taste.
I always have the same question on recipes – are you using unsalted butter for this? See you add salt to your recipe so assuming so – just checking
Hi Melissa, I use salted butter in this recipe, and don’t mind the extra salt for grits. That said, you can use unsalted butter, and then add salt to taste.
This may sound like a stupid question to some. But, what type of cream do you use for this recipe?
I use Marsh Hen Hill grits. Yellow grits are my favorite. I also add Parmesan cheese and some bacon bits.
Hi everyone. I subscribe to your page. I fancy the grits recipe….. but what are grits? I am English and live in the UK and we don’t have grits. What could I use instead?? Thank you.
Hi Ann, While they are slightly different (different kind of corn and the grind), you can try polenta in this recipe.
BEST GRITS EVER! I have never been a huge fan of grits. Other than shimp and grits, they always seem sort of bland. My husband loves grits, his fav being sausage and egg grit bowl. I made these this morning and OH MY GOODNESS!! Completely drool worthy. I usually add pepper jack cheese but these needed nothing at all. Perfect consistency, perfect flavor…just overall a perfect bowl of grits. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
You have made our day 🙂 We are thrilled that you loved your grits. If you loved these you have to try our shrimp and grits!