Made with quick-cooking grits and rich, gooey pimento cheese, Southern Pimento Cheese Grits are as easy as they are delicious. Whether serving them up for a holiday gathering or a laid-back weekend meal, these creamy grits bring the perfect touch of Southern comfort to your table.
Love comfort food? My easy Baked Spaghetti, Southern Sausage Gravy, and Stuffed Baked Potatoes are for you.
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Pimento Cheese Grits. Yes, you heard me right. I’m doubling down on two Southern favorites, creamy grits, and pimento cheese, and I’m proud of it. It’s always fun to serve something unexpected, delicious, and one that can spark a conversation. Who knew these two much-beloved classics could make a mouthwatering impact at the table?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with quick-cooking grits and a few other pantry ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- The smooth grits and gooey pimento cheese create a rich, comforting dish that’s hard to resist.
- Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, my cheesy Southern grits are a perfect fit. They pair beautifully with everything from fried chicken to pot roast.
What Are Grits?
Grits are made with either hominy or stone-ground corn. They have a slightly gritty texture that softens when cooked with water or milk. Grits can be made simply with a pat of butter and a dash of salt or, more elaborately, like pimento cheese grits or Smoked Gouda Cheese Grits.
Pimento Cheese Grits Ingredients
- Quick cooking grits make up the base of the recipe. Don’t use instant grits.
- Milk adds creaminess to the grits and helps thin them out. You can also use half and half.
- To hydrate the grits, you’ll need water.
- You can use homemade pimento cheese or store bought to add flavor.
- Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper help all the other flavors pop. You can also use cayenne pepper for more heat.
What Kind Of Pimento Cheese Is Best For This Recipe?
Pimento cheese combines sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise (and sometimes cream cheese), and pimento peppers so you can make it at home or buy it in-store. My homemade pimento cheese recipe can be made in just minutes and is my preferred way to go. But, I’ve also used store-bought and the dish turns out great. Just pick whichever one works best for you.
Step By Step Directions
- Cook the Grits: Add water, milk, and salt to a pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and slowly add the grits while stirring. Cook for about 15 minutes on medium-low heat.
- Add the Pimento Cheese: Turn the heat off and add the pimento cheese and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Serve: Taste, adjust the seasoning, and serve with a sprinkle of green onions, chives, or paprika!
Can grits be made ahead of time?
Yes, it sure can. You can make the full recipe and store it in the refrigerator covered for up to five days. To reheat, warm the grits on the stovetop and add some milk or water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cornmeal is a very different product than grits. They require different cooking techniques and times, so I don’t recommend using them for this grits recipe.
I think both because they both serve different purposes. The water helps to rehydrate while the milk gives them a bit of fat to cook in.
These can be kept in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. To reheat them, put them in a saucepan on the stove with a little milk, broth, or water to restore their creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
There’s no doubt that grits are a much-beloved breakfast food, but now with the addition of pimento cheese, this dish goes from breakfast to dinner. Serve it with the Best Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Crock Pot Chicken Thighs, or Air Fryer Roasted Turkey Breast. And for a holiday lunch or dinner, pair it with Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham or Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs.
More Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love
If you tried this Pimento Cheese Cheese Grits Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk or Half and Half
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup QUICK COOKING grits
- 1 cup pimento cheese – homemade or store-bought
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 1 teaspoon chopped green onion for garnish if desired
Instructions
- To a stockpot, add milk and water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and slowly pour in grits while stirring. Add salt and simmer grits, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until they are thick and creamy.
- Turn off the heat and add pimento cheese and pepper. Stir until combined.
- Spoon into a serving bowl and top with green onions, if desired. Serve immediately. Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
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Penny
Love this with pimento!!! Thanks for all the great recipes.
Thanks, Penny! I so appreciate the kind words and great rating. I’m thrilled you are following and cooking with me.
~Donya