Hot Tomato Grits

Savor the comforting warmth of Southern cuisine with this Hot Tomato Grits recipe. Creamy stone-ground grits are cooked to perfection with a luxurious blend of whole milk, butter, and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a velvety base that's as indulgent as it is satisfying. This classic dish gets a bold and flavorful twist with a robust tomato topping, featuring tender onions, garlic, smoky paprika, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, it's the perfect balance of hearty and spicy, making it an irresistible choice for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dinner. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of freshness and add a splash of hot sauce to elevate the heat. Whether you're a fan of Southern comfort food or simply craving something deliciously unique, Hot Tomato Grits is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• 0 hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and whole milk to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the salt.

Step 2

Slowly whisk the grits into the liquid, ensuring no clumps form. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3

While the grits cook, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Sauté the diced onion in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6

Once the grits are creamy and tender, stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 7

Serve the grits warm, spooned into bowls. Top with the tomato mixture and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Add a dash of hot sauce for extra spice, if preferred.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1634.5 grams (1634.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1776

Total Fat 85.80g	110%
Saturated Fat 45.40g	227%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.60g
Cholesterol 211mg	70%
Sodium 4078mg	177%
Total Carbohydrate 202.80g	74%
Dietary Fiber 12.40g	44%
Total Sugars 30.30g
Protein 56.20g	112%

Vitamin D 131IU	657%
Calcium 1268mg	98%
Iron 5mg	26%
Potassium 1775mg	38%

*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: 42.7%

Protein: 12.4%

Carbs: 44.9%