How To Make Grits
Cook coarse stone-ground grits with seasoned water in a heavy pot, rest them covered, and simmer gently until tender before finishing with butter, cheese, and a splash of dairy.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Tight-fitting lid
- stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits not quick or instant
- 5 cups water plus more as needed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Butter to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- lemon a squeeze
- ½ to 1 cup grated cheddar or parmesan cheese
- heavy cream or milk a splash
Instructions
- Put the stone-ground grits and 5 cups of water in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, then bring the mixture to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and leave it undisturbed for 15 minutes so the coarse corn can begin softening.
- Set the pot back over the heat and stir in the bay leaf and kosher salt. Bring the liquid back to a boil, then immediately lower the heat until the surface gives quiet, slow bubbles.
- Cook at a low simmer for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring often with a flat spoon and scraping along the bottom and corners. Add hot water as needed if the grits tighten before the grains feel tender between your teeth.
- Take the pot off the heat once the grits fall from the spoon in thick, smooth ribbons, then stir in butter, black pepper, lemon, cheese, and cream or milk to taste. Serve while hot, when the texture is loose and velvety rather than firm.
- Transfer any extra grits to a dish and refrigerate them overnight. Once chilled and firm, cut them into squares and fry them in butter the next day until crisp and golden.
Notes
Texture tip: If the grits tighten or taste crunchy before softening, gradually whisk in hot water and continue simmering over low heat.
Prevent sticking: Simmer gently over low heat and scrape the bottom and corners with a flat wooden spoon so the starch does not catch.
Reheating: Break cold grits apart with a fork, then warm over low heat while whisking in warm milk, broth, or water until creamy.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.