Name: Easy Pimento Cheese Grits
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk or Half and Half; 2 cups water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup QUICK COOKING grits; 1 cup pimento cheese - homemade or store-bought; 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper; 1 teaspoon chopped green onion for garnish if desired

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Two Southern classics are combined to make creamy, luscious Pimento Cheese Grits, and the result is outstanding! This recipe is simple, versatile, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a must for any holiday brunch.

Bowl of Pimento Cheese Grits topped with red pimento, pepper and slicked green onions.

Pimento Cheese Grits. Yes, you heard me right. I’m doubling down on two Southern favorites and proud of it.

This recipe, like so many other Southern classics, is easy and can be served in many ways. Warm, creamy, grits with a little punch of rich pimento cheese is the epitome of what a good side dish should be.

I’ve served Pimento Cheese Grits for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. It’s always fun to serve something unexpected, and delicious, plus one that can spark a conversation. Who knew that these two much-beloved classics could make such a mouthwatering impact at the table.

Pimento cheese being stirred into grits.

Ingredients Needed To Make This Recipe

Quick Cooking Grits – do not use instant grits
Milk or Half And Half
Water
Homemade or Store-bought Pimento Cheese
Kosher Salt
Fresh Cracked Pepper

What Kind Of Pimento Cheese Is Best For This Recipe?

There are two options for the Pimento Cheese in this recipe. My homemade 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.

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 and/or milk. Grits can be made very simply with a pat of butter and a dash of salt or turned into something more elaborate like Pimento Cheese Grits or Smoked Gouda Cheese Grits Casserole.

How To Make Pimento Cheese Grits

Honestly, you are not going to believe how easy this recipe is.

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.
Turn the heat off and add the pimento cheese and pepper, stirring to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning and serve!

Big bowl of Pimento Cheese Grits topped with pimentos and sliced green onions.

Can This Recipe 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 5 days. To reheat, warm the grits on the stovetop and add a bit of milk or water.

Close up of Pimento Cheese Grits topped with pimento and green onion.

What To Serve With Pimento Cheese Grits

There’s no doubt that grits are a much-beloved breakfast food, but now with the addition of pimento cheese, this dish goes from morning meals to dinner. This side dish is ideal for any holiday buffet and because it can be made ahead of time, it’s great for entertaining.

Spoonful of Pimento Cheese Grits in a white bowl served for brunch.

More Side Dish Recipes

Last But Not Least…

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