Cheesy Grits Recipe by Alton Brown Full of Southern Soul

Southern comfort bursts through in these luscious cheesy grits, a culinary treasure that transforms humble cornmeal into pure magic.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this creamy delight, turning simple ingredients into a soul-warming experience.

Each spoonful carries whispers of tradition, blending sharp cheese with smooth, buttery undertones.

Regional kitchens celebrate this iconic dish as more than just a side, it’s a celebration of flavor and comfort.

Professional chefs and passionate food lovers understand the delicate art of creating perfectly seasoned grits.

Rich, velvety textures dance with robust corn foundations, promising a meal that tantalizes every taste bud.

Master a recipe that will become your new comfort food obsession.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 395 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients in Alton Brown Cheesy Grits

• Milk: Choose whole milk for richer, creamier texture.
• Water: Use filtered water for clean, pure taste.
• Salt: Opt for kosher salt to enhance overall flavor depth.

• Cornmeal: Select stone-ground, coarse-ground variety for authentic Southern-style texture.

• Unsalted Butter, Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Select high-quality European-style butter for luxurious smoothness.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Pick aged, locally sourced cheese for robust, tangy flavor profile.

Utensils Needed for Alton Brown Cheesy Grits

• Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Essential for even heat distribution and preventing burning during cooking.
• Whisk: Perfect tool for smooth stirring and breaking up cornmeal lumps.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure milk, water, and cornmeal.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and scraping pot corners during cooking.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding fresh sharp cheddar cheese.
• Serving Bowls: Needed for presenting the hot, creamy grits.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps precisely add salt and pepper.

How to Cook Alton Brown Cheesy Grits

• Kickstart the Liquid Base

Grab a sturdy pot and combine milk, water, and a pinch of salt. Crank up the heat until the mixture bursts into a vigorous boil, creating a bubbling foundation for your creamy delight.

• Blend in the Cornmeal Magic

Once boiling, slowly shower cornmeal into the pot, whisking like a culinary wizard to banish any potential lumps. Lower the heat and let the magic simmer, covering the pot to trap the deliciousness.

• Stir and Transform

Every few minutes, lift the lid and give your mixture a passionate whirl. Sweep across the pot’s edges, ensuring no cornmeal tries to stick or clump. Your goal is a silky-smooth texture that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Cook to Dreamy Consistency

Let the grits bubble gently for about 20 minutes. Watch for that perfect moment when they transform into a luxurious, velvety pool of comfort that’s rich and irresistible.

• Create Cheesy Perfection

Pull the pot off the heat and invite butter and sharp cheddar to the party. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a golden, creamy masterpiece that’ll make everyone swoon. Sprinkle some black pepper for an extra flavor kick.

• Serve and Celebrate

Quickly transfer your heavenly creation to warm bowls. Dive in immediately while the grits are steaming hot and gloriously creamy – a true Southern comfort that’ll warm hearts and souls.

Flavor Tips for Cheesy Grits

Explore personal twists that transform this classic Southern dish into a culinary adventure.

Experiment with different cheese varieties like gouda, pepper jack, or gruyère to create unique flavor profiles that tantalize your taste buds.

Elevate your grits by topping with crispy bacon bits, sautéed shrimp, pulled pork, or spicy andouille sausage for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Add depth with mix-ins like roasted green chiles, diced jalapeños, or a dash of smoked paprika to give your grits an exciting kick of flavor and complexity.

Serving Alton Brown’s Cheesy Grits

• Pair with Protein Perfection: Top these creamy grits with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or pulled pork for a hearty Southern-style breakfast or brunch.
• Create Seafood Sensation: Serve alongside sautéed shrimp, blackened fish, or crawfish for a classic coastal Carolina dining experience.
• Elevate Breakfast Game: Garnish with chopped green onions, extra cheese sprinkle, or a dash of hot sauce to add exciting layers of flavor and texture.
• Transform into Comfort Bowl: Add caramelized onions, roasted vegetables, or a poached egg to turn these cheesy grits into a complete, satisfying meal.

How to Store Cheesy Grits Properly

• Preserve Peak Flavor: Store leftover grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining their delicious creamy texture.
• Revive Refrigerated Grits: Gently reheat chilled grits by adding a splash of milk or water, stirring consistently over low heat to restore their original smooth consistency.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled grits to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months for quick comfort food anytime.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Portion individual servings before refrigerating or freezing, allowing easy single-serving reheating without thawing entire batch.

Soulful Alton Brown Cheesy Grits Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines through Alton Brown’s cheesy grits, blending creamy textures with rich cheese flavors. Regional culinary traditions merge seamlessly, ensuring you savor each comforting spoonful of this classic dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 2 cups (480 ml) water
• 1 cup (240 g) coarse ground cornmeal
• 4 oz (113 g) sharp cheddar, shredded
• 4 tbsps (56 g) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ tsps (7 g) kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Liquid Preparation: Combine whole milk, water, and kosher salt in a heavy-bottomed pot, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat.
2. Cornmeal Integration: Gradually whisk stone-ground cornmeal into the boiling liquid, immediately reducing heat to low and covering the pot to prevent splatter and promote even cooking.
3. Texture Development: Periodically uncover and vigorously whisk the mixture, meticulously scraping pot edges and bottom to prevent scorching and ensure smooth consistency, allowing grits to simmer for 20-25 minutes until achieving a luxurious, creamy texture.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and fold in unsalted butter until fully melted, then incorporate freshly ground black pepper and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese completely dissolves and creates a uniform, velvety mixture.
5. Serving: Immediately transfer the piping hot, creamy cheese grits to serving bowls, ensuring maximum flavor and optimal texture are preserved for an indulgent culinary experience.

Notes

• Select Quality Cornmeal: Stone-ground cornmeal ensures authentic texture and rich, robust corn flavor compared to instant varieties.
• Whisking Technique: Continuously whisk while adding cornmeal to prevent stubborn lumps from forming, creating smooth, creamy consistency.
• Temperature Management: Maintain low heat after initial boiling to allow gentle simmering, which helps grits develop rich, velvety texture without scorching.
• Cheese Integration: Add sharp cheddar gradually and fold gently to achieve even melting and maximum flavor distribution throughout the grits.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 395
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 577 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 61 mg