Start your day off right with a warm and comforting bowl of creamy grits. These Southern staples are incredibly versatile, and can be flavored in countless ways to suit any taste or dietary need. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and simple, or something bold and adventurous, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 20 delicious breakfast grits recipes.
From savory options like Cheesy Bacon Breakfast Grits and Smoked Salmon and Grits Breakfast Plate, to sweet treats like Maple Brown Sugar Grits with Pecans and Banana Foster Grits with Caramel Drizzle, there’s something for everyone on this list. And the best part? Each recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor – perfect for busy mornings or lazy Sundays.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of these recipes and share our tips and tricks for making them a reality in your own kitchen. So go ahead, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to start your day off right with some seriously delicious grits!
Cheesy Bacon Breakfast Grits
Start your day off right with this creamy, cheesy, and savory breakfast dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low.
3. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits are creamy and tender.
4. Stir in the butter and crumbled bacon until melted and well combined.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Southern Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowl
Start your day off right with this creamy, savory, and indulgent breakfast bowl that combines the flavors of the South.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water or shrimp broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup crumbled cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the grits and water or broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until creamy.
2. In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.
3. Stir the heavy cream into the grits and add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Divide the grits among bowls. Top with cooked shrimp, parsley, and cheddar cheese (if using).
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Sausage and Grits Casserole
Savory Sausage and Grits Casserole Recipe
Warm up with a hearty casserole that combines the comfort of sausage and grits with the convenience of one-dish cooking. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet or hot sausage, casings removed
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. In a separate pot, bring grits and chicken broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until creamy.
4. Stir in heavy cream and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine cooked sausage and grits mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheese (if using).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Maple Brown Sugar Grits with Pecans
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of Maple Brown Sugar Grits, topped with crunchy pecans. This sweet and savory breakfast dish is perfect for a chilly morning.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low.
2. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the grits are creamy and tender.
3. Stir in the maple syrup, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Stir in the chopped pecans and butter until well combined.
6. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Spinach and Feta Breakfast Grits
Start your day with a flavorful and nutritious breakfast by combining the creaminess of feta cheese, the richness of spinach, and the comfort of warm grits.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring the grits and water or broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until creamy.
2. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve warm, garnished with additional spinach leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Loaded Breakfast Grits with Eggs and Avocado
Start your day off right with these creamy, savory grits loaded with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and velvety avocado.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 4 large eggs
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, or diced tomatoes for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the grits are creamy and tender, about 20-25 minutes.
2. While the grits cook, melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Scramble the eggs until they’re just set, breaking them up into small curds.
3. Stir the cooked bacon, diced avocado, and scrambled eggs into the cooked grits. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, chopped scallions, or diced tomatoes if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Jalapeño Cheddar Grits with Fried Eggs
Get ready for a flavorful morning with these Jalapeño Cheddar Grits paired with crispy Fried Eggs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 eggs
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until creamy.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped jalapeño and cook for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and well combined with the jalapeño mixture.
4. Pour the grits into a serving dish and top with the jalapeño-cheddar mixture.
5. Fry eggs in a non-stick pan over medium heat until cooked to your liking. Serve on top of the grits.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Sweet Potato and Grits Breakfast Hash
Sweet Potato and Grits Breakfast Hash Recipe
Start your day off right with this hearty breakfast dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the creamy goodness of grits.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, or shredded cheddar cheese for added protein and flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring grits and water/broth to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. While grits are cooking, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
4. In a large skillet, cook diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened. Add roasted sweet potatoes and stir to combine.
5. Serve warm grits topped with the sweet potato mixture. Add your choice of scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, or shredded cheddar cheese for added flavor.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Ham and Cheese Grits Bake
A creamy, cheesy twist on traditional grits, this comforting casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner or brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup diced ham (such as prosciutto or cooked bacon)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring milk to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Gradually whisk in grits and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat; stir in butter until melted.
5. In a separate bowl, combine diced ham, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
6. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the grits mixture. Top with ham-cheese mixture, then cover with remaining grits.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grits and Greens Breakfast Bowl
A classic Southern breakfast dish gets a nutritious twist with this easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 2 eggs, cooked to desired doneness
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled bacon for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the grits and water/broth to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until creamy.
2. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped scallions and cook for 1-2 minutes or until tender.
3. Divide cooked grits among four bowls. Top each bowl with mixed greens, cooked eggs, and sautéed scallions.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add shredded cheese or crumbled bacon on top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Coconut Grits with Fresh Berries
Start your day with a creamy and sweet twist on traditional grits, featuring the richness of coconut and the freshness of berries.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt to taste
– Fresh berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries), for serving
Instructions:
1. Bring the grits and water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Reduce heat to low, stir in shredded coconut, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and tender.
3. Stir in butter and heavy cream until melted and well combined.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve warm, topped with fresh berries.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Grits with Cinnamon Swirl
Get cozy with this autumnal twist on classic grits, infused with the warmth of pumpkin and cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water or milk
– 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt to taste
– Cinnamon sugar (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar:
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer.
2. Add the grits and whisk until smooth.
3. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the pumpkin puree, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Meanwhile, mix the cinnamon sugar ingredients in a small bowl.
7. Spoon the grits into bowls and top with a swirl of cinnamon sugar.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoked Salmon and Grits Breakfast Plate
Start your day with a flavorful and nutritious breakfast plate featuring smoky salmon, creamy grits, and a pop of fresh flavor.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup stone-ground grits
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 ounces smoked salmon, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon crème fraîche (or sour cream)
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions using 2 cups of water, butter, salt, and black pepper.
2. In a separate pan, heat the smoked salmon slices over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
3. Meanwhile, mix crème fraîche with diced red bell pepper in a small bowl.
4. To assemble the plate, divide cooked grits onto two plates, then top with smoked salmon, dill, and crème fraîche mixture.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chorizo and Grits Breakfast Skillet
Start your day with a flavorful and filling breakfast skillet packed with spicy chorizo, creamy grits, and fresh veggies.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Spanish chorizo, sliced
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions using water or chicken broth. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add mixed bell peppers to the skillet; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked grits and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Blueberry Almond Butter Grits
Start your day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast that combines the warmth of grits with the sweetness of blueberries and the nuttiness of almond butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 2 tablespoons creamy almond butter
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low.
3. Cook, covered, for about 20 minutes or until the grits are tender.
4. Stir in the melted butter, sugar, blueberries, almond butter, and salt.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional blueberries if desired.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Herbed Mushroom and Grits Breakfast Bake
A savory breakfast bake filled with sautéed mushrooms, fresh herbs, and creamy grits, perfect for a weekend morning.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water or milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook grits according to package instructions using water or milk. Stir in butter, salt, and pepper.
3. In a skillet, sauté onion, mushrooms, and garlic until tender. Add parsley, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and stir in cooked grits, mushroom mixture, and cheddar cheese (if using).
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until eggs are set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Banana Foster Grits with Caramel Drizzle
This decadent breakfast or brunch dish combines creamy grits, caramelized bananas, and a hint of cinnamon, topped with a rich caramel drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Caramel drizzle (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions using 4 cups of water.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until caramelized.
3. Stir in granulated sugar and cinnamon. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir cooked grits into the banana mixture and add heavy cream. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serve hot, topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Biscuit and Grits Breakfast Casserole
Biscuit and Grits Breakfast Casserole Recipe
A Southern-style breakfast classic gets a casserole twist! This hearty dish combines creamy grits, flaky biscuits, and savory sausage for a morning that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water or milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked sausage (such as Jimmy Dean)
– 1/2 cup biscuit dough (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped scallions, diced bell peppers, or crumbled bacon for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook grits according to package instructions, mixing in butter and cheese until smooth.
3. In a separate pan, cook sausage until browned, breaking apart with a spoon as needed.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
5. Layer the casserole: grits, sausage, biscuit dough (tear into small pieces), and repeat for 2-3 layers.
6. Top with remaining biscuit dough and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Tomato Basil Grits with Poached Eggs
A creamy and flavorful twist on traditional grits, this recipe combines the richness of tomatoes and basil with the runny goodness of poached eggs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 eggs
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Poach the eggs by cracking them into a pot of simmering water. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the whites are set.
5. To assemble, place a portion of the grits on a plate, top with the tomato-basil mixture, and finish with a poached egg.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Cajun Grits with Andouille Sausage
A spicy twist on traditional grits, this recipe combines the rich flavors of andouille sausage with a kick of cayenne pepper.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water or chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup diced andouille sausage
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water or broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until creamy.
3. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and crispy.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
5. Stir in the cayenne pepper and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine the cooked grits and sausage mixture. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Summary
Get creative with breakfast by trying out these 20 delicious grits recipes! From classic combinations like cheesy bacon and savory sausage, to sweet treats like maple brown sugar and banana foster, there’s something for everyone. Spice things up with spicy Cajun andouille sausage or add some freshness with spinach and feta. Treat yourself to a loaded breakfast bowl with eggs and avocado or indulge in a casserole bake. Whether you’re in the mood for savory or sweet, these grits recipes are sure to start your day off right!
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