Stovetop creamy grits, a staple in Southern cuisine, offer a delightful blend of comfort and simplicity. Perfect as a side dish or a main meal, these creamy grits can be prepared in simple steps, ensuring a porridge-like consistency that’s both hearty and satisfying. The classic Southern dish is open to plenty of versatility, including garlic grits, creamy cheddar grits, or some added fried egg.

Ingredients

Water
Heavy cream
Quick grits
Butter
Salt and pepper

Get the full recipe at the bottom of the post in the recipe card with measurements and instructions.

What We Love About Creamy Grits

Creamy grits are more than just a dish; they’re an experience. The creamy texture, enriched with a bit of butter, transforms the humble corn into a comforting, versatile meal. Whether topped with sharp cheddar or served alongside green onions and bell peppers, these grits embody the essence of Southern cooking.
They are a basic recipe and filling dish that is perfect for breakfast or dinner. Try it with Copycat Starbucks egg bites.
Grits are budget-friendly and can be served as a main dish or a side.

Steps for Quick-Cooking Grits

Bring water to a gentle boil in a medium pot.
Gradually add grits, stirring consistently. Let it boil again.
Reduce to medium heat and simmer for five minutes, stirring frequently.
Slowly pour in heavy cream during the last minute, stirring to mix thoroughly.
Add in butter, salt, and pepper, and serve.

Variations

Try cheesy grits with parmesan cheese.
Use stone-ground corn for a more authentic texture.
Experiment with sweet grits by adding maple syrup.

A bowl of grits on a counter. There is a spoon next to the bowl.

Tips

Keep stirring while cooking for the creamiest grits.
Adjust water or cream for your preferred consistency. The cream will make rich grits.
Serving grits warm ensures maximum enjoyment.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter version.
Olive oil can be an alternative to butter.
For a vegetarian twist, use vegetable broth instead of water.

Storage Instructions

Keep in an airtight container.
Store in the fridge and eat within 3-4 days.
Reheat with additional liquid to maintain creaminess.

Dish Pairings

Elevate your meal with these pairings:

Savory option: Pair with some air fryer salmon burgers or a serving of Mississippi chicken.
Add a kick: Sprinkle on some cayenne pepper or add a slice of jalapeño cornbread on the side.
Serve alongside some smothered pork chops from the Endless Meal.
This goes great with coconut shrimp, as well.

Whether you’re a seasoned Southern cook or trying creamy grits for the first time, this dish offers a comforting, versatile option for any dinner table. How will you customize your pot of creamy grits?

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