Fried Grits Patties

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, Fried Grits Patties are a mouthwatering twist on classic Southern comfort food. Made from perfectly seasoned, set grits enriched with butter and optional cheddar cheese, these patties are pan-fried to golden perfection. The recipe offers a delightful combination of textures, especially if you add a breadcrumb coating for extra crunch. Using just a few pantry staples like eggs, flour, and oil, this versatile dish can be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, a savory side, or even as a snack, with endless topping possibilities such as gravy, maple syrup, or sautéed vegetables. Whether made with quick grits or stone-ground for a more traditional touch, these patties are an irresistibly flavorful way to elevate leftover grits. Perfect for any occasion, they’re the ultimate Southern-inspired comfort dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Grits (stone-ground or quick grits)
• 4 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded, optional)
• 2 large Eggs
• 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
• 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Slowly whisk in the grits, reducing the heat to low. Stir constantly to prevent lumps and cook according to the package instructions (about 5-7 minutes for quick grits or 20-25 minutes for stone-ground grits) until thickened.

Step 3

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in butter and cheddar cheese (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper or more salt if needed.

Step 4

Pour the cooked grits into a shallow baking dish or on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Spread evenly and smooth the top. Let cool for at least 1 hour or until set and firm. You can also chill the grits in the refrigerator for faster setting.

Step 5

Once set, cut the grits into squares, rounds, or shapes of your choice using a knife or cookie cutter.

Step 6

Set up a breading station: whisk the eggs in one shallow bowl, place flour in a second bowl, and breadcrumbs (if using) in a third bowl.

Step 7

Dip each grits patty first in flour, then in egg, and finally in breadcrumbs (if you want a crispier exterior). Tap off any excess at each stage.

Step 8

In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering hot but not smoking.

Step 9

Carefully place the grits patties in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.

Step 10

Cook each patty for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to flip them gently.

Step 11

Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 12

Serve warm with your choice of toppings such as gravy, maple syrup, or sautéed vegetables, or enjoy them on their own!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1572.7 grams (1572.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2847

Total Fat 170.40g	218%
Saturated Fat 52.90g	265%
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.90g
Cholesterol 186mg	62%
Sodium 3666mg	159%
Total Carbohydrate 279.20g	102%
Dietary Fiber 6.60g	24%
Total Sugars 5.70g
Protein 57.40g	115%

Vitamin D 29IU	143%
Calcium 928mg	71%
Iron 11mg	62%
Potassium 616mg	13%

*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: 53.3%

Protein: 8.0%

Carbs: 38.8%