Forktionary

Grits

Zea mays Grain

Grits Grain

At a Glance

  • Category Grain

The Forktionary Angle

"Southern Comfort Staple: Explore the cultural significance and versatile applications of grits, from breakfast to dinner."

Definition

A porridge made from dried, ground corn, a staple in Southern US cuisine, typically served savory with butter or cheese.

Cooking Yield 1 cup dry grits yields ~4 cups cooked.
Storage Tip Store dry grits in an airtight container for up to 1 year.
Usage Frequency Top 10 Southern Breakfast Ingredient

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Grits are:

Mild creamy corn-like can be savory or sweet

Chef’s Secret

For ultra-creamy grits, slowly whisk into cold liquid (water/broth/milk) then bring to a simmer, cooking low and slow, stirring often.

Best Substitutes

Polenta

cooked
Ratio 1:1

Cream of Wheat

cooked
Ratio 1:1

Fine-ground cornmeal

cooked
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for stone-ground grits for superior texture and flavor; avoid instant for best results.

Culinary Pairings

Shrimp cheese bacon eggs butter hot sauce sausage greens

Recipes Using Grits

Baked Grits With Ham Wild Mushrooms And Parmesan image 130
Eggs Eggs Stove Top Eggs Dairy

Baked Grits With Ham Wild Mushrooms And Parmesan

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible Baked Grits recipe! Inspired by Bon Appetit, this dish transforms humble grits into a gourmet masterpiece. Imagine tender baked grits, infused with rich parmesan, topped with a savory sauté of wild mushrooms and smoky ham. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will redefine your love for grits!

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Barbecued Bourbon Shrimp With Cheddar Cheese Grits image
Main Ingredient Main Dish Easy Eggs Dairy

Barbecued Bourbon Shrimp With Cheddar Cheese Grits

Indulge in this Southern fusion masterpiece! Amber Huffman's award-winning recipe combines succulent grilled shrimp, bathed in a tangy bourbon barbecue sauce, atop creamy cheddar cheese grits. This recipe, a favorite of Jesse Jackson, is a flavor explosion that's sure to impress. The rich grits are perfectly complemented by the sweet and smoky shrimp, creating a dish so delicious, it's garnered multiple marriage proposals (though Amber hasn't said 'yes' yet!). Pair this unforgettable meal with a light-bodied Pinot Noir, like a Kendall-Jackson, for the ultimate culinary experience.

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Baked Country Cheese Grits image
Equipment Course Soul Low Cholesterol

Baked Country Cheese Grits

Indulge in this creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible Baked Country Cheese Grits recipe! Perfect for brunch, a comforting lunch, or a satisfying dinner, this savory dish is elevated with freshly ground black pepper and your favorite hot sauce. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more!

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Baked Grits image 137
Low Carb Low Carb Easy Casseroles

Baked Grits

Comfort food at its finest! This creamy, cheesy baked grits casserole is a family favorite, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special brunch. Inspired by a treasured family recipe, this dish features fluffy grits baked to golden perfection with a delightful eggy custard base. Get ready for a taste of pure Southern charm!

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Hillbilly Casserole image
Breakfast 60 Minutes Or Less Casseroles Course

Hillbilly Casserole

This comforting Hillbilly Casserole is incredibly easy to make, yet bursting with flavor! Creamy grits are topped with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a savory egg custard. Get ready for a taste sensation that's sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

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Awesome Buttery Grits With Corn image
Preparation Corn Course Time To Make

Awesome Buttery Grits With Corn

Indulge in a creamy, dreamy bowl of cheesy grits, elevated with the sweetness of sauteed corn! Inspired by Zea's restaurant, this recipe is a decadent side dish perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. This isn't your diet-friendly side, but oh-so-worth it! We're talking melt-in-your-mouth buttery grits with perfectly charred corn kernels. Start with 1/2 cup of butter (you can always add more!), and prepare to be amazed.

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