Easy Alton Brown Cheesy Grits Recipe: Creamy Southern Comfort

Cheesy grits represent Southern comfort at its finest, bringing together humble ingredients and rich culinary tradition.

This beloved dish transforms simple cornmeal into a luxurious canvas of flavor and texture.

Regional kitchens have long celebrated these creamy, hearty preparations that warm both stomach and soul.

Smooth, velvety, and packed with sharp cheese, the recipe speaks to generations of home cooks who understand true nourishment.

Subtle butter notes complement the robust corn base, creating a harmonious blend that feels simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary.

Professional chefs and home cooks appreciate how these grits can elevate a modest meal into something extraordinary.

Passionate food lovers understand that mastering this technique requires patience and a keen sense of seasoning: prepare to become a grits virtuoso.

Delicious Variations for Cheesy Grits

• Southern Comfort Bacon Grits: Crisp up some chopped bacon and fold the bits into the finished grits for an extra savory punch of flavor.
• Jalapeño Cheddar Kick: Dice fresh jalapeños and mix them with sharp cheddar cheese to create a spicy, tangy version of the classic grits recipe.
• Herb-Infused Parmesan Grits: Stir in fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and chives, then top with grated parmesan for an aromatic and elegant spin.
• Mushroom and Gruyère Fusion: Sauté wild mushrooms like shiitake or cremini and blend them with nutty gruyère cheese for a rich, earthy variation that elevates the traditional recipe.

Comforting Wrap-Up for Cheesy Grits

Southern comfort flows through Alton Brown’s cheesy grits, weaving culinary magic with simple ingredients.

Milk, cornmeal, and cheese create pure Southern hospitality on your plate.

Heritage meets modern cooking in this classic dish that whispers generations of kitchen wisdom.

Creamy textures and rich flavors dance together, transforming humble cornmeal into a luxurious experience.

Silky cheese melts seamlessly, creating a canvas of pure deliciousness that beckons friends and family to gather.

Hearty and satisfying, these grits invite you to savor each spoonful, share the recipe, comment with your family memories, and spread Southern charm across your social networks.

Why Alton Brown’s Cheesy Grits Deserve a Try

• Savor Quick and Creamy Comfort: This cheesy grits recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious side dish that takes just 35 minutes, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Texture Dream: The careful whisking technique ensures ultra-smooth, velvety grits without lumps, creating a perfectly creamy consistency that melts in your mouth and provides a silky eating experience.
• Elevate Everyday Ingredients: By combining basic pantry staples like cornmeal, milk, and cheese, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish that feels gourmet yet remains incredibly approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Master Restaurant-Quality Technique: Alton Brown's method of gradually whisking cornmeal and carefully monitoring cooking time teaches essential cooking skills while guaranteeing a foolproof result that looks and tastes professionally prepared.

Gather These Ingredients for Cheesy Grits

• Milk, Water, Salt: Foundational liquid and seasoning for creating a smooth, creamy grits base. Whole milk provides richness, while water helps achieve the right consistency.

• Cornmeal: The primary ingredient that transforms into classic Southern-style grits. Stone-ground or white cornmeal works best for authentic texture and flavor.

• Butter, Black Pepper, Cheese: Butter adds luxurious creaminess, black pepper provides a subtle heat, and cheese brings a rich, savory depth. Sharp cheddar or white cheddar recommended for maximum flavor impact. Choose high-quality, freshly grated cheese for best melting properties.

Make Creamy Grits Like Alton Brown

Step 1: Prepare Liquid Base

• Milk
• Water
• Salt

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Add Cornmeal

Once boiling, gradually whisk in cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot.

Step 3: Stir Consistently

Every 3 to 4 minutes, remove the lid and whisk the grits thoroughly. Pay special attention to the pot’s corners to prevent sticking or clumping.

Step 4: Cook to Creamy Perfection

Allow grits to simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until they reach a smooth, creamy texture. The consistency should be rich and velvety.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Cheese

• Unsalted butter
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Gradually fold in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Transfer the cheesy grits to serving bowls and enjoy while hot and creamy. Best served fresh and steaming.

Tips for Rich, Velvety Grits

• Stir Constantly: Keep your wooden spoon moving to break down potential lumps and create a silky-smooth consistency.
• Select Sharp Cheddar: Choose a high-quality, aged sharp Cheddar that melts beautifully and delivers robust flavor to your grits.
• Water Quality Matters: Use filtered or spring water to enhance the overall taste and prevent any mineral interference.
• Temperature Control: Maintain a gentle simmer to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking of the cornmeal.
• Cheese Timing Trick: Allow grits to cool slightly before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a creamy blend.

Store Your Grits Like a Pro

• Vacuum Seal Method: Transfer cooled cheesy grits into vacuum-sealed bags, removing all air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal texture. Professional chefs recommend this technique for preserving flavor and preventing moisture loss during extended storage.
• Portion Freeze Technique: Spoon grits into individual silicone molds or muffin tins, creating perfect single-serving portions. Freeze solid, then pop out and store in freezer-safe containers for quick, convenient reheating without waste.
• Glass Container Storage: Choose thick-walled glass containers with airtight lids for refrigerator storage. Glass prevents flavor absorption, maintains grits' creamy consistency, and allows easy monitoring of freshness compared to opaque plastic containers.

Alton Brown Cheesy Grits Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Southern comfort meets culinary excellence in Alton Brown’s cheesy grits, a creamy, indulgent dish that marries rich cheddar with stone-ground corn. Smooth, velvety, and packed with flavor, these grits promise a delectable journey through traditional Southern cuisine you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Dairy Products:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
• 4 ounces (113 grams) sharp Cheddar, shredded

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 grams) coarse ground cornmeal
• 1 ½ teaspoons (7 grams) kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine whole milk, water, and kosher salt, heating the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, slowly pour in stone-ground cornmeal while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Immediately reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
3. Uncover the pot every 3 to 4 minutes, using a sturdy whisk to break up any potential clumps, making sure to scrape the bottom and corners of the pot thoroughly.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently until the grits transform into a smooth, velvety texture with a creamy consistency.
5. Remove the pot from the heat source and incorporate unsalted butter, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
6. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper into the grits, then gradually fold in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution and complete melting.
7. Transfer the creamy cheese grits to serving bowls immediately, serving while hot and at peak creaminess to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Stir constantly to prevent lumpy grits from forming during the cooking process.
• Select a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning at the bottom.
• Keep extra liquid nearby in case the grits become too thick and need thinning.
• Check package instructions for precise water-to-grits ratio, as brands can vary slightly.
• Low and slow cooking allows cornmeal to soften and develop rich, creamy flavors.
• Remove from heat just before reaching desired thickness, as grits will continue to thicken while cooling.
• Taste test midway through cooking to adjust seasoning and ensure perfect flavor balance.
• Consider using chicken broth instead of water for an extra layer of depth and richness.
• Allow grits to rest for a few minutes after cooking to achieve optimal creamy texture.
• Gently fold in butter and cheese to create a luxurious, smooth final dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg