Fried Grits

Transform your breakfast or side dish game with these irresistibly crispy and golden Fried Grits! This Southern-inspired recipe starts with rich, creamy stone-ground grits cooked to perfection and infused with sharp cheddar cheese for bold flavor. Once chilled and firm, the grits are sliced, coated in a crispy cornmeal and flour breading, and pan-fried to crunchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside goodness. Ready in just under an hour (excluding chilling time), this versatile dish makes a crowd-pleasing addition to brunch or dinner, and pairs beautifully with dipping sauces, savory toppings, or a drizzle of hot honey. Perfectly seasoned and deeply satisfying, Fried Grits are a must-try recipe for any comfort food lover!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Stone-ground grits
• 4 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
• 2 large Eggs
• 2 tablespoons Milk
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Cornmeal
• 1 cup Vegetable oil
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Gradually stir in the stone-ground grits, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 3

Lower the heat to a simmer and cook the grits for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and grated sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.

Step 5

Transfer the cooked grits to a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Spread the grits evenly and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 6

Let the grits cool to room temperature, then cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.

Step 7

Once the grits are firm, remove the loaf from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Cut the grits into thick slices or squares, about 1-inch thick.

Step 8

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk to make an egg wash.

Step 9

In two separate shallow dishes, place the flour in one and the cornmeal in the other.

Step 10

Dredge each slice of grits first in the flour, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it with the cornmeal, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 11

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.

Step 12

Fry the prepared grits slices in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.

Step 13

Transfer the fried grits to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with black pepper if desired.

Step 14

Serve the fried grits warm as a side dish or snack, paired with your favorite dipping sauce or breakfast toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1952.1 grams (1952.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4270

Total Fat 267.20g	343%
Saturated Fat 59.10g	296%
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.40g
Cholesterol 495mg	165%
Sodium 3289mg	143%
Total Carbohydrate 409.00g	149%
Dietary Fiber 22.00g	79%
Total Sugars 3.30g
Protein 82.20g	164%

Vitamin D 119IU	595%
Calcium 986mg	76%
Iron 14mg	79%
Potassium 887mg	19%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.0%

Protein: 7.5%

Carbs: 37.4%