The Best Thick and Creamy Grits Recipe - caramel and cashews (2024)

by Carolyn 7 Comments

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This thick and creamy grits recipe is super simple and super creamy.

The Best Thick and Creamy Grits Recipe - caramel and cashews (1)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. In other words, if you click a link and purchase something I will receive a commission at no cost to you. I only recommend products I use and enjoy myself.We make these creamy grits on Saturdays.Before we press on there are a few key pointers to making grits so good you'd lick them off the kitchen floor. Hey, I won't judge.

How to cook grits:

  • This pointer is vital. Only use stone ground grits. A quick grits recipe using instant grits will never compare to stone ground grits. We are fortunate to have a Lowe's Foods that carries local and regional products including stone ground grits. We buy Palmetto gritsThe Best Thick and Creamy Grits Recipe - caramel and cashews (2) -white or yellow both work great. If you can't find stone ground grits in the store I know they sell them on Amazon and their website Palmetto farms.
  • Stirring is not just recommended, it's essential! Adding lots of delicious fat (heavy cream, butter etc.) is not actually the key to creamy grits (although it does help). Consistently stirring your grits during cooking releases all that lovely starch into the liquid making the end product oh so creamy.
  • I have found that you don't need heavy cream to make amazing grits - all you need is butter, whole milk and salt. I love when recipes call for pantry staples and nothing more. I can't speak for everyone but I always have milk, butter and salt on hand. Four ingredient recipes make my heart so happy.
  • Give them time. If you want the creamiest grits around cook them for 35 minutes like this recipe calls for.

Does this creamy grits recipe reheat well? And what should I use them for?

Grits reheat very well. I have a thing for recipes that taste just as good if not better the next day. For me this is like an incredible bonus because it's a two for one. I get to enjoy the grits the next day with no additional work. Yes please! I like to reheat my grits on the stove. I add a little bit more milk to them and stir until reheated. You can also pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir and then repeat until reheated.I'm a purist and my favorite way to eat these grits is just how they are.But you can of course:

  • add cheese and/or a fried egg
  • make them into creamy grits with shrimp
  • add roasted cherry tomatoes on top for a sweet and savory combo
  • give them a nice kick - add pepper jack cheese and sautéd minced jalapeno
  • make them alongside bacon and pancakes for a super filling breakfast
The Best Thick and Creamy Grits Recipe - caramel and cashews (3)

Creamy Grits Recipe

Carolyn

The best thick and creamy grits ever!

5 from 5 votes

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Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Equipment

  • medium saucepan

Ingredients

  • ½ Cup stone ground yellow or white grits
  • 2 ½ Cups whole milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • pinch kosher salt

Instructions

  • Bring the grits, 2 cups of the whole milk, 2 tbsp butter and a large pinch of kosher salt to a boil stirring occasionally so the grits do not burn.

  • Once it comes to a boil turn down to medium low heat and stir occasionally but vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds at a time. Continue to do this until thick like wet sand. It should take around 18 minutes or so.

  • Add ½ cup more milk stirring occasionally but vigorously for 10 more minutes until thick and creamy.

  • Serve and enjoy. Grits will thicken even more as they cool.

Keyword grits

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Madge Zemp

    The Best Thick and Creamy Grits Recipe - caramel and cashews (4)
    These grits are FABULOUS. I’m a born and bred South Carolina girl and have eaten my share of grits. Thanks for recipe!!

    Reply

    • Carolyn

      I'm so glad to hear it!

      Reply

  2. Leslie

    The Best Thick and Creamy Grits Recipe - caramel and cashews (5)
    This is such a yummy recipe!
    Thank you!

    Reply

  3. Ellen

    The Best Thick and Creamy Grits Recipe - caramel and cashews (6)
    Yummy!

    Reply

  4. Monica

    The Best Thick and Creamy Grits Recipe - caramel and cashews (7)
    Sooo good! Best grits I’ve ever made. Also added a little shredded cheddar cheese , the best!

    Reply

  5. Lore

    The Best Thick and Creamy Grits Recipe - caramel and cashews (8)
    These grits are easy to prepare and are so creamy; whole family enjoyed! Thx for sharing.

    Reply

    • Carolyn

      I'm so glad everyone loved them!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

The Best Thick and Creamy Grits Recipe - caramel and cashews (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good grits? ›

A higher 5:1 ratio by volume of water to grits ensures they cook through fully with no stubborn, hard bits. The recommended stone-ground grits offer the best flavor and texture, particularly when compared to grits made with commercial varieties with a more consistent grind.

How to make grits thicker? ›

I'm using the old fashioned grits. You're gonna add one cup and bring the heat to low. Allow it to thicken, then add an extra cup of heavy cream, half a stick of butter, and some cheddar cheese. Let it stir non stop for 20 minutes, and then you'll have the best creamy grits.

Are grits better with milk or water? ›

Creamy, cheesy piping-hot grits topped with spicy sausage – I don't think it gets much better than that on a cold day. Breakfast, lunch or dinner – this dish is perfect anytime! Aside from lots of delicious cheese, these grits get their extra creaminess by cooking them in milk.

Why are my grits not creamy? ›

Even if you buy 5-minute grits, don't cook your grits for only five minutes. Part of what makes the grits all creamy is the time they get to soak in the water. Making them softer and allowing them to merge together to form all the creamy goodness. I repeat creamy grits are not made in five minutes.

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

Toppings for Grits
  1. Sweet: Butter, cinnamon, raisins, syrup, brown sugar, peanut butter, jam, or berries.
  2. Savory: Cheese, fried eggs, bacon (cooked and chopped), caramelized onion, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, scallions, or herbs.
Jun 22, 2022

What does baking soda do to grits? ›

Easily achieve the perfect creamy texture and save yourself some serious time in the kitchen by utilizing the little-known tip of adding baking soda to the pot. Just a pinch added early in the cooking process helps the grits to thicken up and can cut the needed cooking time in half.

Can you add egg to grits to thicken? ›

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.

How to make grits tastier? ›

Grits are kinda bland in their natural state. Butter, salt, and pepper wakes them up and bring out that wonderful light corn flavor. Adding cheddar cheese, hot sauce, bacon bits, garlic, and other spices is also great!

What do grits do to your body? ›

A Quick Review

They provide carbohydrates, fiber, and several important vitamins and minerals. Grits are also naturally gluten-free and low in fat and sodium. Grits can be eaten at any meal and they are especially nutritious when paired with vegetables, fruits, unsaturated fats, and lean protein sources.

Is it OK to eat grits every day? ›

Conclusion. Adding grits to your dietary plans is a great move. They are a versatile food option that's packed with iron, B vitamins, antioxidants, and several other nutrients. As with all other foods though, be mindful of the possible downsides like nutrient loss during production and a high carb count.

What is the black stuff in grits? ›

The black/dark specks you see in your grits are the particles of germ that are left in the product. The germ of the corn kernel is naturally darker in color and it is absolutely normal to see grey/black/dark flecks throughout your corn grits. How do I prepare grits? Grits can be prepared in a variety of ways.

Do you cover grits when cooking? ›

Gather the ingredients. Put the water, salt, and grits in a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker. Let them stand for a few minutes and skim off any solids floating on top of the water. Cover and cook on high for about 3 hours, stirring every 30 to 45 minutes.

Can you put coffee creamer in grits? ›

In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil; add salt and coffee creamer. Stir until creamer is dissolved. In a slow, steady stream, whisk in grits. Continue whisking constantly to prevent clumps until they come to a boil.

How do most Southerners eat 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).

How long should you soak grits before cooking? ›

Before turning on the stove, artisan grain producer Anson Mills recommends soaking the grits overnight for a “superior” texture. This step also reduces the cooking time by about 50 percent, which can take from about 20 minutes to 1 hour or more, depending on the type of grits and desired consistency.

How do you get the gritty out of grits? ›

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. Whisking constantly during the first couple of minutes, and frequently throughout the rest of the cooking process, will prevent lumps from forming.

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