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Moms Cheese Grits

Featured in Delectable Side Dishes to Complement Any Meal.

If you're craving comfort food, these Southern-style creamy grits are topped with sharp cheddar and butter, creating an easy yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:22:39 GMT
A bowl of soft and cheesy yellow grits garnished with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a dash of paprika for color. Pin it
A bowl of soft and cheesy yellow grits garnished with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a dash of paprika for color. | chefmelt.com

Grandma's Mouthwatering Cheesy Grits Delight

I'm excited to pass along my mother's knockout cheesy grits that have stayed in our family for years. This down-home Southern comfort food comes packed with butter, thick cream and tons of cheese. I always whip these up for fancy morning get-togethers or whenever we're craving something warm and tasty. You'll get why our family can't stop talking about them after your first spoonful.

What Makes This Quick Dish So Special

You'll fall for this quick dish because:

  • It's unbelievably silky thanks to the cream
  • There's cheese by the pound for maximum taste
  • The recipe comes straight from Southern family tradition
  • You can enjoy it morning, noon or night

Basic Items You'll Need For Cheesy Grits

  • Grits: Standard dry ones create the foundation we want.
  • Butter: We don't hold back - a whole stick goes in.
  • Cheese: Mom always picked sharp cheddar for good reason.
  • Heavy Cream: This makes everything wonderfully velvety.
  • Salt: Just a bit to bring out all the tasty notes.
  • Water: Works with the cream for ideal cooking.

Quick How-To Guide

Get Your Liquids Ready
Start by mixing water and cream in a big, solid pot. Heat it until you notice tiny bubbles around the edges. Take your time here - getting the right warmth means your grits will cook evenly and soak up all that creamy liquid.
Add Your Grits Properly
Here's the key part - pour your grits in slowly while constantly whisking. This stops clumps and gets every bit wet. Turn the heat down low and stir often for around 20-25 minutes. You'll see them change from gritty to super smooth. They should thicken enough that your whisk leaves marks behind.
Mix In The Good Stuff
When your grits get nice and thick, it's time to make them fancy. Put in butter a little at a time, letting each chunk melt before adding more. Then mix in your cheese bit by bit, stirring until it's all melted in. This slow way makes them perfectly smooth and velvety.
Taste And Serve
Give it a try and add salt if needed. Go slow with salt, stirring and tasting as you go - you can always put more in but can't take it out. Serve them right away while they're hot and creamy. For extra goodness, top with a small chunk of butter that melts into golden puddles.

Tricks For Perfect Results

  • Don't Skimp On Cream: It's what makes this quick dish amazing.
  • Stir Constantly: You won't get lumps if you keep that spoon moving.
  • Pick Quality Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings the tastiest kick.
A bowl of creamy yellow grits topped with shredded cheese and chopped green onions, with a small dish of sauce in the background. Pin it
A bowl of creamy yellow grits topped with shredded cheese and chopped green onions, with a small dish of sauce in the background. | chefmelt.com

Ways To Enjoy Your Dish

These quick cheesy grits pair wonderfully with:

  • The rest of your holiday morning food
  • Something simple for dinner
  • Oven-cooked vegetables for a complete meal

A Treasured Family Favorite

This quick cheesy dish isn't just food - it's part of our heritage. Every creamy bite brings back memories of family Sundays and holiday gatherings. Whether you make them for something fancy or just because, they'll probably become a regular in your home too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need to stir the grits constantly?

It helps the texture stay nice and smooth, with no clumps sneaking in.

→ What kind of grits should I buy?

For the best results, go with old-fashioned grits. Skip those instant ones if you can.

→ Can I swap the cheese for something else?

Using sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but feel free to use any cheese that melts well.

→ Can I prepare grits ahead of time?

They’re best right away, but you can keep them warm in the oven for a bit if needed.

→ Why should I add hot sauce to grits?

It heightens the flavor without making the dish too spicy. Just a little kick!

Moms Cheese Grits

Smooth and cheesy grits made Southern-style with loads of cream, butter, and sharp cheddar. Perfectly warm and inviting.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Side Dish

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Southern comfort food

Yield: 6 Servings (6)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 cup thick cream for cooking.
02 3 cups of water.
03 A pack (450 g) of mature cheddar cheese.
04 Salty beurre demi-sel (8 tbsp), split into two equal parts.
05 A teaspoon of fine sea salt.
06 1 cup of traditional grainy semoule de maïs (cornmeal).
07 Add spicy Tabasco sauce as desired.

Instructions

Step 01

In a medium pot, stir together water, thick cream, half of the butter (4 tbsp), and salt.

Step 02

Over medium-high heat, bring the liquid to a rolling boil while you shred the cheese.

Step 03

Use the large holes of a box grater to shred enough cheddar to make around 4 cups.

Step 04

Gradually sprinkle the cornmeal into the boiling liquid. Keep stirring all the time to avoid those pesky clumps.

Step 05

After adding the grits, quickly turn the heat down to its lowest setting.

Step 06

Let the grits gently cook for 20 minutes, stirring often, until the liquid absorbs and the texture softens.

Step 07

Stir the shredded cheese into the cooked grits. Make sure it melts completely into the mixture.

Step 08

Stir in the remaining butter (4 tbsp) until it’s blended fully.

Step 09

Splash in a bit of Tabasco sauce for a flavor boost.

Step 10

Take a quick taste. Add a pinch more salt if you think it needs it.

Step 11

Serve right away, piping hot, with more Tabasco on the side.

Step 12

Another option: move it to a baking dish and keep in a low-temperature oven until ready to serve.

Notes

  1. A staple from the South.
  2. Luscious with a creamy finish.
  3. Made with a few simple pantry items.
  4. An ideal side dish to round out your meal.

Tools You'll Need

  • Standard pot or medium-sized cooking pan.
  • A basic box grater for the cheddar.
  • A sturdy wooden spatula.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk-based products (cream, butter, cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 22 g