Easy Cheesy Gruyere Grits Recipe - Peas and Crayons (2024)

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Published: May 1, 2014Updated: January 19, 2020Author: Jenn Laughlin

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Who said grits are only for breakfast? Try theseEasy Cheesy Gruyere Gritsfor you next breakfast, brunch, or brinner! They’re simple to make and oh-so tasty!

Easy Cheesy Gruyere Grits Recipe - Peas and Crayons (1)

I like to blur the lines a bit when it comes to breakfast foods. You’ll frequently find me eating a chocolate chip pancake for dessert like it’s a big fluffy cookie, brinner is a welcome weekly occurrence, and cold pizza for breakfast? Why the heck not!

If it’s good at 6 in the morning it’s good at any hour! Actually, it’s better. My taste buds like to sleep in. So while grits make a fantastic side dish for breakfast, they make an even better addition to lunch or dinner. If anything it’s the perfect vessel for sneaking in an extra serving of vegetables.

And an extra serving of cheese.

#ALLTHECHEESE

If you’re anything like my husband and I, you follow two basic rules:

1. Under no circ*mstances are instant grits ever an option.

2. My Cousin Vinny must be quoted while you wait your 20 stinkin’ minutes like the rest of the grit-eating world.

Easy Cheesy Gruyere Grits

Easy Cheesy Gruyere Grits Recipe - Peas and Crayons (2)

Easy Cheesy Gruyere Grits

Who said grits are only for breakfast? Try theseEasy Cheesy Gruyere Gritsfor you next breakfast, brunch, or brinner! They’re simple to make and oh-so tasty!

5 from 6 votes

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Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Gruyere Grits

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Author: Jenn Laughlin – Peas and Crayons

Ingredients

  • ½ cup grits
  • 1.5 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 1 heaping cup freshly grated Gruyere [or Gouda!] cheese
  • tsp garlic powder
  • tsp salt
  • 1-2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • a drizzle of olive oil
  • 12-14 asparagus spears (ends trimmed)
  • 1 TBSP butter
  • tsp garlic powder
  • cayenne pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • any additional salt to taste

Instructions

  • First grab your grits!

  • Bring a small pot of broth to boil and add your grits and garlic.

  • Stir well, reduce heat to lowest setting to simmer, and cover with a lid.

  • Set a timer for about 15 minutes and start on your veggies.

  • After trimming the ends from the asparagus, bring a shallow pan of water to boil, toss in your asparagus, and quickly blanch the spears until they turn bright green and are slightly tender and al dente.

  • Plop them in an ice bath or rinse with very cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent them from getting mushy.

  • Pat dry and set aside.

  • Dump the water from the pan saute your sliced mushrooms in a tiny drizzle of olive oil until tender.

  • Drain any liquid from the pan, push the shrooms aside, and add your butter, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, asparagus, and a pinch of salt.

  • Continue to saute for another minute or two, taste, and add any extra spices if desired.

  • The grits should now be just about done.

  • Stir constantly during the last few minutes of cook time to prevent them from sticking, then add your cheese and salt, to taste.

  • Continue to stir as the cheese melts into the grits and try to refrain from spooning the entire pot of grits into your face.

  • Plate the Gruyere grits and top them with veggies and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to dive on into the fridge and put any leftovers that may be lurking there to good use on top of these easy cheesy grits! Grilled veggies, roasted chicken, or even a slice of leftover quiche… anything goes!

note: adjust the level of cayenne and red pepper flakes to your heat preferences but don’t be scared of a little spice! I tend to have a heavy hand with mine and my 8 month old still managed to devour several stolen asparagus spears like a pint-sized vulture. Start with a tiny sprinkle and taste as you go to find your perfect level of heat and flavor.

Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcal, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 16mg, Sodium: 908mg, Potassium: 400mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 1362IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 34mg, Iron: 3mg

Did you make this recipe?I want to see! Tag @peasandcrayons on Instagram and Facebook!

so… how was it!?

I had quite a stash of asparagus and mushrooms in my fridge so… I may or may not have made this several days in a row and loved every cheesy, savory, scrumdillyumptious second of it. As an unexpected bonus, this one’s also chickpea approved! She inhaled the asparagus and grits like a champ and kept coming back for more.

Obviously that means she has impeccable taste and you should try this recipe too.

Duh.

hungry for more?

  • Mexican Breakfast Salad
  • Instant Pot Frittata Breakfast Casserole
  • Grits a Ya Ya(shrimp and grits with the best twist ever!)

If you get a chance to try these Easy Cheesy Gruyere Grits, let me know!Leave some love in the comment form below or tag your photos with @peasandcrayons on Instagram so I can happy dance over your creation!

Peas and Crayons is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to readers.

Easy Cheesy Gruyere Grits Recipe - Peas and Crayons (3)

About The Author:

Jenn Laughlin

Hi! I’m Jenn and I’m here to help you eat your veggies! It'll be fun, painless, and pretty darn delicious as I teach you to plan your meals around fresh, seasonal produce with a little help from healthy freezer and pantry staples.

Learn More

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Easy Cheesy Gruyere Grits Recipe - Peas and Crayons (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to grits to make it taste better? ›

Toppings for Grits

Whether you like a sweet start to the day or something more hearty tasting, these grits can be topped with a wide range of ingredients. Sweet: Butter, cinnamon, raisins, syrup, brown sugar, peanut butter, jam, or berries.

What pairs well with cheese grits? ›

The best side dishes to serve with cheese grits are ricotta, green beans with bacon, sausage and potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoked cod, pulled pork, coconut shrimp, egg bites, sauteed mushrooms, grilled asparagus, fried green tomatoes, cornbread, spinach salad, fried chicken, roasted Brussels sprouts, and collard greens ...

What are the ingredients in Quaker cheese grits? ›

Degerminated White Corn Grits, Salt, Coconut Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Palm Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Maltodextrin, Modified Food Starch, Whey, Cheddar Cheese (Milk, Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Yeast Extract, Annatto and Turmeric (Color), Hydrolyzed Corn Gluten, Monosodium Glutamate, Sodium ...

What is the secret to good grits? ›

Grits are a Southern soul food staple and the ultimate creamy comfort food. The key to cooking old-fashioned grits is going low and slow—use a low heat so the grits simmer and slowly release their starches, which creates a decadent, silky texture.

What does putting milk in grits do? ›

Milk adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness—ideal for cheese grits—while cream adds even more richness to grits in a breakfast casserole. Buttermilk adds a bit of tanginess to recipes like our Buttermilk Stone-Ground Grits.

What does adding an egg to grits do? ›

It doesn't taste like egg, not really, but it makes the grits taste richer, with a more cohesive, rib-sticking texture. It's also an easy way to sneak a little more protein in there—six grams per egg—and I've found it amplifies the cheesiness of cheese grits, without adding any extra dairy.

How to make Dixie Lily grits? ›

For 1 serving: Combine 1-1/3 cups water and 1/8 tsp. salt with 1/3 cup Dixie Lily Grits in a 1-quart bowl. Microwave at HIGH 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let stand until desired consistency.

Can you crack an egg in grits? ›

A cracked egg is the simplest way to instill rich texture and flavor into grits without having to swap a portion of the cooking liquid for heavy cream. You could even forgo the standard addition of butter by adding an extra egg yolk to the pot.

What do Southerners eat with grits? ›

Corn was dried, boiled, and rinsed so the hominy could be used as a staple or ground into "flour" or grits. Grits served with fried eggs, O.J., coffee (cafe au lait if you use a New Orleans blend), Mimosas or Bloody Marys for a brunch, as we say in south Louisiana: "mais-oui, you'll bring da house down fo' sho!"

Are cheese grits healthy? ›

While grits are often paired with rich accompaniments like butter, cheese, ham, and sausage, they can easily be incorporated into a healthy diet. Grits are not only simple to prepare but also packed with essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

How many cups of grits do I need for 2 people? ›

For 2 servings: Use 1 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup grits. For 8 servings: Use 4 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup grits. For 24 servings: Use 3 quarts water, 1 tablespoon salt, and 3 cups grits.

What is the difference between Quaker old-fashioned grits and quick grits? ›

Quick and regular grits: The only difference between these types is in granulation. Quick grits are ground fine and cook in 5 minutes; regular grits are medium grind and cook in 10 minutes. Instant grits: These fine-textured grits have been precooked and dehydrated. To prepare them, simply add boiling water.

Are grits healthier than oatmeal? ›

Oatmeal has more fiber and protein, grits have more iron and B vitamins. However, oatmeal has a lower glycemic index. So for blood sugar control, oatmeal could be a better option. But when balanced right, both oatmeal and grits can fit into a healthy diet.

How do Southerners eat their grits? ›

Serving Southern Grits

We always add cheese to our grits — either Parmesan or sharp cheddar. But you can certainly skip the cheese altogether; some people prefer theirs without. We often eat these grits as-is for breakfast (or topped with a fried egg or crumbled sausage).

What can you substitute for butter in grits? ›

Most people associate grits with butter but grits are also delicious and creamy when made with olive oil. Depending on who you ask, grits are similar or identical to Italian polenta. Both are made from ground cornmeal slow cooked over a low flame. Here is a recipe that we adapted from the Courier Journal.

How do I fix my grits? ›

Here are six ways you can improve the consistency of your dish:
  1. Add an egg. If your grits aren't clumping well enough, adding an egg into the mix can go a long way. ...
  2. Avoid using high heat. ...
  3. Extend the cooking time. ...
  4. Include milk or cream. ...
  5. Strain out moisture. ...
  6. Use appropriate measurements.
Oct 29, 2021

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