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Homey Southern Cheese Grits Mom's Way
I'm sharing mom's knockout cheese grits that've been passed down through our family for years. These down-home grits are Southern comfort at its best with loads of butter, thick cream and heaps of cheese. This dish is my go-to for fancy brunches or when we're craving something warm and tasty. After one bite of these grits, you'll get why everyone in our family raves about them.
What Makes These Grits Special
You'll fall for this down-home dish because:
- It's silky and luxurious thanks to the cream
- There's an entire pound of cheese for amazing taste
- The recipe comes straight from Southern family roots
- You can enjoy it at breakfast, lunch or dinner
Basic Stuff You'll Need
- Grits: Standard dry ones work best for the right consistency.
- Butter: We use a whole stick for that extra richness.
- Cheese: Mom always picks sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This makes everything incredibly velvety.
- Salt: Just a bit to bring out all the tastes.
- Water: This teams up with cream for proper cooking.
How To Make Them Step By Step
- Get Your Liquids Ready
- Mix water and cream in a big, sturdy pot. Heat it up until you notice tiny bubbles around the edges. Take your time here. Getting the right temperature means your grits will cook evenly and soak up all that creamy goodness.
- Add Your Grits The Right Way
- Pour your grits in slowly while you keep whisking. This stops clumps and makes sure every bit gets wet. Turn the heat down low and stir often for about 20-25 minutes. You'll see them change from gritty to super smooth. They should be thick enough that your whisk leaves marks in the mix.
- Mix In The Good Stuff
- When your grits get nice and thick, it's time to make them extra special. Drop in butter bits one at a time, letting each one melt away before adding more. Then slowly mix in your cheese, stirring until each handful melts completely. This careful approach gives you that super smooth, creamy texture we want.
- Taste And Serve
- Give it a try and add salt if needed. Go slow with the salt and taste as you go. You can always put more in but can't take it out. Serve right away while everything's hot and creamy. For a fancy touch, drop a small bit of butter on top and watch it melt into golden puddles.
Tricks For Perfect Grits
- Never Skip The Cream: It's what makes these grits stand out from the rest.
- Stir Often: The key to getting that silky texture is constant attention.
- Pick Quality Cheese: A nice sharp cheddar brings the best flavor.
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What To Eat With Your Grits
These tasty grits go perfectly with:
- Roasted veggies for a simple meal
- Any weeknight dinner
- Your holiday brunch spread
Family Comfort In Every Bowl
This down-home dish isn't just food, it's part of our family story. Every creamy bite brings back memories of Sunday gatherings and holiday mornings. Whether you make them for something fancy or just because, they'll likely become a favorite in your home too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why keep stirring while cooking grits?
This keeps the grits lump-free and silky smooth.
- → What kind of grits should I choose?
Stick with old-fashioned grits for the perfect texture; avoid the instant ones.
- → Can I use a different cheese instead?
Sharp cheddar is ideal, but any cheese that melts well will work great.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Freshly made is better, but you can keep them warm in the oven if needed.
- → Why would I add hot sauce?
It boosts the dish's flavor without making it overly spicy.