Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe is loved because it’s:
- Ultra creamy and smooth
- Rich with melted cheese
- Filling and satisfying
- Quick to prepare
- Perfect for breakfast or brunch
The combination of soft grits and savory sausage makes it both comforting and hearty.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Grits
- 1 cup grits (quick or stone-ground)
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving
- Sausages (pan-fried)
- Scrambled or fried eggs
- Extra cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Tools Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Frying pan
Step 1: Cooking the Grits
In a saucepan, bring water (or broth) to a gentle boil.
Slowly pour in the grits while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps from forming.
Reduce heat to low and simmer.
Stir often so the grits don’t stick to the bottom.
Cooking time:
- Quick grits: 5–7 minutes
- Stone-ground grits: 20–25 minutes
They should become thick and creamy.
Step 2: Making Them Creamy
Once grits are soft, add:
- Milk
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
Stir well until smooth.
Add shredded cheese gradually, mixing until melted completely.
The texture should be silky and slightly thick but still soft enough to spread on the plate.
If too thick, add a little warm milk.
Step 3: Cooking the Sausage
While grits cook, heat a frying pan.
Cook sausages over medium heat until browned on all sides and fully cooked inside.
You can slice them or serve whole as shown in the picture.
Step 4: Preparing the Eggs
Scramble or fry eggs according to preference.
Soft scrambled eggs pair beautifully with creamy grits.
Step 5: Plating
Spoon warm cheesy grits onto a plate.
Add eggs and sausages on top or on the side.
Sprinkle extra cheese or parsley for garnish.
Serve immediately while hot.
Texture Secrets
Perfect cheesy grits should be:
- Smooth (not grainy)
- Creamy but not runny
- Rich and buttery
- Slightly stretchy from melted cheese
Stirring regularly is the key to avoiding lumps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Lumpy Grits
- Added too quickly without whisking
Too Thick
- Not enough liquid
Bland Taste
- Under-seasoned or not enough cheese
Taste and adjust salt at the end.
Flavor Variations
Spicy Grits
Add chili flakes or hot sauce.
Garlic Cheese Grits
Add garlic powder or roasted garlic.
Bacon Version
Use crispy bacon instead of sausage.
Southern Style
Add a little cream instead of milk for extra richness.
Serving Ideas
Cheesy grits pair well with:
- Shrimp
- Fried chicken
- Grilled vegetables
- Mushrooms
- Breakfast bacon
They can be a side dish or the main meal.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: up to 3 days
To reheat:
- Add milk or water while warming
- Stir constantly to restore creaminess
Grits thicken when cold, so extra liquid is normal.
Why This Dish Is So Popular
Cheesy grits are a classic comfort food because they are simple, warm, and satisfying. The soft texture makes them soothing, while cheese and sausage add richness and flavor. It’s an easy meal that feels homemade and hearty without requiring complicated steps.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use broth instead of water for more flavor.
- Add cheese gradually for smooth melting.
- Keep heat low to prevent sticking.
- Stir often — patience creates creaminess.
Final Thoughts
Creamy cheesy grits with sausage are the perfect comfort meal — rich, warm, and deeply satisfying. The smooth cheese-filled texture combined with savory sausage creates a balanced dish that works any time of day.