Tag: grits

Pimento Cheese Grits

I find myself making more and more dishes from Chef Vivian Howard’s book, Deep Run Roots. Her southern-inspired recipes are packed with flavor and tradition. I made a big batch of Chef Howard’s pimento cheese, which by itself is insanely good. Half went for sandwiches while the other half ended up in these delicious pimento cheese grits. Creamy and yummy. I love grits. Adding pimento cheese to them makes me love them even more. I didn’t think that was possible.

Pimento Cheese Grits

Quality Grits Make For… Great Grits!

I use corn grits polenta from Bob’s Mill. They cook up in about 30 minutes and always have the perfect texture and flavor, great for pimento cheese grits. You can substitute quick-cooking grits in a pinch. They only take about 5 minutes.

Deep Run Roots: Stories and Recipes from My Corner of the South
Deep Run Roots: Stories and Recipes from My Corner of the South
Bob's Red Mill Organic Corn Grits/ Polenta, 24 Oz
Bob’s Red Mill Organic Corn Grits/ Polenta, 24 Oz

Also try my cheddar Ranch grits.

Pimento Cheese Grits
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5 from 1 vote

Pimento Cheese Grits

Creamy and yummy. I love grits. Adding pimento cheese to them makes me love them even more. I didn’t think that was possible.
Course Main or Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grits, pimento cheese
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 674kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Chef Vivian Howard’s Deep Run Roots

Ingredients

For the pimento cheese grits

  • 1 cup grits
  • 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups pimento cheese from below

For the pimento cheese (makes enough for 3 batches of grits)

Instructions

For the pimento cheese grits

  • Cook the grits per package instructions.
  • Add butter and melt.
  • Fold in the pimento cheese and heat until melted. Serve.

For the pimento cheese

  • Place all but the salt into a mixer with the blade attachment. Process for 30 seconds.
  • Add salt to taste and process 10 more seconds.

Notes

Also great made with pepper jack cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 674kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 1362mg | Potassium: 182mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1875IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 770mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale

Easy Pimento Cheese Grits

Pimento cheese is one of those things that does not last very long in our house. Make batch, do a quick errand, come back.. gone! It doesn’t seem to matter how much I make, it’s gone in an instant. Where does it go? Well, one place is in this delicious easy grits dish. Creamy, yummy grits with kicked up pimento cheese. You can’t beat it. Sure, pimento cheese is great on crackers or sandwiches, but in grits… oh me is it ever amazing. Always make extra.

Easy Pimento Cheese Grits

Cheese Grits Elevated

As much as grits are a wonderful thing, the star of this show is the pimento cheese and it deserves the love and the attention it needs to be extraordinary. First, hand shred your cheese. None of that pre-shredded bagged stuff. It has cornstarch or other coatings on it to keep it from sticking. Nope, pass on that. If you’re not a big fan of shredding with your old hand-powered box shredder, get one of these. It’s awesome!

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

Second, make the pimento cheese the night before you make this dish. Let it get happy in the fridge, just hanging out. It’s better that way. The flavors and the consistency are better the next day.

Easy Pimento Cheese Grits
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Easy Pimento Cheese Grits

Great cheesy creamy grits!
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grits, pimento cheese
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 818kcal

Ingredients

For the grits

For the pimento cheese

Instructions

For the grits

  • Add the milk and water to a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add the grits, stirring as you pour.
  • Add salt to taste.
  • Let the grits simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often, until they are thick and creamy.
  • Turn off the heat. Stir in the pimento cheese and season with pepper.
  • Serve garnished with parsley if desired.

For the pimento cheese

  • Place all ingredients except the salt and pepper into a bowl.
  • Combine.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste and stir.
  • Refrigerate at least an hour before using.

Notes

You can make the pimento cheese the day ahead.

Nutrition

Calories: 818kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 65g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 118mg | Sodium: 1353mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1852IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 809mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale

Cheddar Ranch Grits

As much as I love making and devouring mashed potatoes with pot roast and gravy, I love grits even more. The creamy ground corn has more texture and more flavor. At least, in my opinion. Add some cheese (and a little bit of Ranch dressing mix) and well, these cheddar Ranch grits are the perfect tasting side dish and very, very easy to make.

Cheddar Ranch Grits

Try Other Cheeses, Too

You can substitute any good melting cheese you want to these cheddar Ranch grits. I like a nice sharp cheddar because I think it goes perfectly with the corn flavors and the Ranch dressing. I think Monterey jack would also work well in this dish. For some kick, go with pepperjack and add a few chopped roasted jalapenos. Or chile peppers. You can also add drained copped pimentos.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Rotary Grater Slicer for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts

Also try my roasted sweet corn grits. I always keep grits on hand. They’re the perfect side dish for just about any meal.

Cheddar Ranch Grits
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cheddar Ranch Grits

As much as I love making and devouring mashed potatoes with pot roast and gravy, I love grits even more. The creamy ground corn has more texture and more flavor. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword cheese, grits
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 224kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring broth and salt to a boil in a medium pan over high heat.
  • Slowly stir in the grits.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring often. To prevent the grits from splattering you can place a lid over the top of the pan but do not cover it completely.
  • Add the butter and stir to melt.
  • Add the cheese and Ranch dressing mix and stir until the cheese is melted.
  • Serve.

Notes

Substitute pepperjack for the cheddar for nicely kicked-up grits!

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 1311mg | Potassium: 216mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale

Smoked Grits

Elliott Moss’ Buxton Hall Barbecue’s Book of Smoke is one of my favorite cookbooks. It actually contains more than just recipes, much more, but the recipes are usually very easy to make and yet still fantastic. Smoked grits are about as simple as you can get, but what you do end up with are grits (and I do so love grits) with just a nice hint of smoke. Not crazy overpowering smoke, you want just a hint of it.

Smoked Grits

Good Grits Make For… Great Grits

One thing I don’t go cheap on is grits. There are a number of small grist mills in Indiana. In fact my father-in-law once worked in the grist mill at Spring Mill State Park. It still operates today, selling freshly ground grits. You can also find quality grits in the grocery store. My motto is: don’t buy the cheap stuff. Grits are a magical thing and being cheap with them just isn’t necessary. To add even more great smoky flavor I use smoked grits to make my grilled corn grits.

Weber Pecan Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Pecan Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Apple Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Apple Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Cherry Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.
Weber Cherry Wood Chunks, for Grilling and Smoking, 4 lb.

I like smoking things that I haven’t smoked before, like these grits. I’ve also smoked peppercorns, which where a new thing for me too. They also came out great.

Also try my smoked tomato pimento cheese polenta.

Smoked Grits
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Smoked Grits

Smoked grits are about as simple as you can get, but what you do end up with are grits (and I do so love grits) with just a nice hint of smoke. Not crazy overpowering smoke, you want just a hint of it.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword grits, smoked
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 579kcal
Author Based on a recipe from Buxton Hall Barbecue’s Book of Smoke

Ingredients

  • 1 cup grits coarse ground

Instructions

  • Fire up your smoker for 225 F. Use a light or medium wood, such as apple or hickory. Make sure you have a good amount of smoke.
  • Spread the grits out 1/2″ deep in a pan and place onto the smoker.
  • Smoke for 4 minutes.
  • Stir and smoke another 4 minutes.
  • Cook grits as you normally would.

Notes

Uncooked grits can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge until ready to use.

Nutrition

Calories: 579kcal | Carbohydrates: 124g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 334IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

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GreenSpark Firestarters 70 Pcs Natural Fire Starter for Grill, Smoker, Pizza Oven, BBQ, Wooden & Pellet Stove, Fire Pit, Long Burn, Waterproof, All Weather Fire Starters Safe for Indoor/Outdoor Use
GEEKHOM BBQ Gloves, Grilling Gloves Heat Resistant Oven Gloves, Kitchen Silicone Oven Mitts, Long Waterproof Non-Slip Pot Holder for Barbecue, Cooking, Baking (Black)
GEEKHOM BBQ Gloves, Grilling Gloves Heat Resistant Oven Gloves, Kitchen Silicone Oven Mitts, Long Waterproof Non-Slip Pot Holder for Barbecue, Cooking, Baking (Black)
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12'' Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill - Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush
Smoke Tube for Pellet Smoker, 12” Smoker Tube for Pellet Grill – Hot or Cold Smoker Accessories for Electric Gas Charcoal Grilling, Premium Stainless Steel Portable Barbecue Smoking Tube, Bonus Brush

Roasted Sweet Corn Grits

I don’t make grits often. Certainly not often enough. But the grits I made with some grilled cedar planked shrimp the other day really got me into grits-making mode. So much so that I was thinking about grits while I was shucking some fresh sweet corn. That’s when it hit me. I bet roasted sweet corn would be beyond awesome in grits. And you know, it is!

Roasted Sweet Corn Grits

That Great Roasted Flavor

I threw a few shucks ears of corn onto the grill until they started to char. I cut off the kernels with a knife or use a corn peeler and added them to my go-to grits recipe. The corn kernels add a nice ‘pop’ texture to these roasted sweet corn grits. You don’t have to roast the corn, but the added smokiness is a nice change.

2PCS Corn Planer Cutter Thresher Peeler, Corn Thresher Cob Stripper Tool,Premium Stainless Steel Corn Thresher Cob Remover tool with Ergonomic Handle
2PCS Corn Planer Cutter Thresher Peeler, Corn Thresher Cob Stripper Tool,Premium Stainless Steel Corn Thresher Cob Remover tool with Ergonomic Handle

Also try my cheddar ranch grits.

Roasted Sweet Corn Grits
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Roasted Sweet Corn Grits

I threw a few shucks ears of corn onto the grill until they started to char. I cut off the kernels and added them to my go-to grits recipe. The corn kernels add a nice ‘pop’ texture to the grits.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword corn, grits
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 596kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

For the grits

For the sauce

Instructions

For the grits

  • Roast the corn-on-the-cob on a grill over direct heat or in the oven under the broiler.
  • Let the corn cool slightly before cutting kernels (cut about 2/3rd of the way thru) from the ears.
  • Bring the broth and butter to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  • Slowly whisk in the grits.
  • Cook for 5 minutes, whisking constantly.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, heavy cream, corn, and the cheese.
  • Keep stirring 2-3 minutes or until the grits are creamy. If they get too thick add more broth or cream.
  • Remove from heat.

For the sauce

  • Melt butter in a large skillet.
  • Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
  • Whisk in the flour and continue whisking until the mixture is thick and has turned light tan in color, about 10 minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the chicken stock and cream. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  • Add the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Stir.
  • Remove from heat and serve.

Notes

You can substitute pepper jack cheese for the cheddar for a little kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 596kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 904mg | Potassium: 360mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1693IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 263mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Fullstar Mandoline Slicer for Kitchen, Cheese Grater Vegetable Spiralizer and Veggie Slicer for Cooking & Meal Prep, Kitchen Gadgets Organizer & Safety Glove Included (11 in 1, White)
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup Tempered Glass Liquid Measuring Cups, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave, and Preheated Oven Safe, Essential Kitchen Tools
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale

Cedar-Planked Shrimp and Grits

My wife and I both agreed that these cedar-planked shrimp and grits were truly something special. The shrimp had a nice little spiciness to them. The grits had a fantastic creamy cheesiness to them. And the sauce had that wonderful (but light) Worcestershire sauce-flavored creaminess. Any one of the star components would be absolutely fantastic on it’s own, but together, they made for the perfect dinner.

Cedar-Planked Shrimp and Grits

Oh So Good. And Different.

The shrimp do not take long to cook on the cedar plank, so keep an eye on them and don’t over cook them. If you don’t have a cedar plank you can cook the shrimp directly on the grill, or skewer them first.

I can’t recommend the grits and sauce enough, though I’d eat the shrimp off the grill by themselves any day of the week.

Don’t buy any el cheapo cedar planks for this or any other dish. Get the good stuff and you won’t ever look back. Cheap planks split, warm and have splinters. Good planks are thicker, stay flat and have smoother edges.

Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack

Cooking on cedar planks can really change the ordinary into something special, which is why I do it often. Check out my other cedar plank recipes: creamy mashed potatoes, Cajun mashed potatoes, Twinkies, beef sliders, chorizo portabellos, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, shrimp with pesto and spicy grilled shrimp.

Cedar-Planked Shrimp and Grits
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Cedar-Planked Shrimp and Grits

These cedar-planked shrimp and grits were truly something special. The shrimp had a nice little spiciness to them. The grits had a fantastic creamy cheesiness to them. And the sauce had that wonderful (but light) Worcestershire sauce-flavored creaminess. 
Course Appetizer, Appetizer or Main
Cuisine American
Keyword cedar plank, grits, shrimp
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 4 servings
Calories 828kcal
Author Mike

Equipment

Ingredients

For the shrimp

For the grits

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup grits quick-cooking
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 3 ½ ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded

For the sauce

Instructions

For the shrimp

  • Soak plank in water for at least an hour.
  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
  • Stir in the Creole seasoning and BBQ sauce.
  • Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Fire up your grill for direct and indirect cooking.
  • Place the plank over direct heat until it starts to smoke and char. Remove to indirect heat.
  • Remove the shrimp from the container. Shake off any excess marinade and add to the plank.
  • Cook until the shrimp are pink and done, 10-15 minutes.

For the grits

  • Bring the broth and butter to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  • Slowly whisk in the grits.
  • Cook for 5 minutes, whisking constantly.
  • Stir in the tomato paste, heavy cream, and the cheese.
  • Keep stirring 2-3 minutes or until the grits are creamy. If they get too thick add more broth or cream.
  • Remove from heat.

For the sauce

  • Melt butter in a large skillet.
  • Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
  • Whisk in the flour and continue whisking until the mixture is thick and has turned light tan in color, about 10 minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in the chicken stock and cream. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  • Add the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Stir. Remove from heat.

Serving

  • Serve the shrimp over the grits with plenty of sauce.

Notes

The shrimp are great by themselves served with cocktail sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 828kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 56g | Saturated Fat: 34g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 461mg | Sodium: 1877mg | Potassium: 493mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2477IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 435mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack