26 Southern Grits Recipes That'll Stand the Test of Time

Fish and Grits
Photo:

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

There's no denying that grits are a Southern staple, but the region's favorite grain isn't just for breakfast. The savory starch is versatile enough to be a part of your lunch or dinner menus, too. Consider classic Cheddar cheese grits as a side, or you can always go for the classic combo of shrimp and grits. Not convinced? Give our Italian-Style Grits and Greens with Pulled Pork and Mushrooms a try. Complete with garlicky sautéed mushrooms and flavorful pulled pork, this recipe is entrée worthy all on its own. If you're looking for a grits dish on the lighter side, we suggest our Goat Cheese-and-Spring Onion Grits Soufflés. They boast a light, airy texture and make a lovely dinner party appetizer, particularly when spring onions are in season. Next time you're in need of Southern side inspiration, pass on the potatoes and set aside the boring dinner roll. Instead, sift through this list of grits recipes and select the one that sounds best to you.

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Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche

Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche

This quiche uses grits rather than pastry dough to form a supremely crispy crust. It's as delicious as it is beautiful.

02 of 26

Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits

Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits
Iain Bagwell

This classic entrée makes the most of flavorful shrimp and rich, cheesy grits.

03 of 26

Deviled Grits

Deviled Grits
Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck; Food Styling: Erin Merhar

Orange juice, grits, and bacon come together for the ultimate everything-in-one-bite in this unexpected, but oh-so-crave-worthy breakfast recipe.

04 of 26

Mini Cheese Grits Casseroles

Mini Cheese Grits Casseroles
Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Whip out this scrumptious, make-ahead recipe when you're in a pinch for time but still want to impress. They're absolutely lovely for a ladies' brunch.

05 of 26

Spoon Bread with Mushrooms and Herbs

Spoon Bread with Mushrooms and Herbs
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Spoon bread, grits casserole, soufflé—whatever you call it, we can't get enough. Wild mushrooms and a dash of white wine add some sophistication to this down-home comfort food.

06 of 26

Goat Cheese-and-Spring Onion Grits Soufflés

Goat Cheese-and-Spring Onion Grits Soufflés
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Don't let the word "soufflé" scare you. This elegant recipe, which takes advantage of a classic springtime pairing, is actually quite easy to pull off.

07 of 26

Fish and Grits

Fish And Grits

Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Shrimp isn't the only seafood that pairs perfectly with grits. For those with a shellfish allergy, tilapia or snapper filets make a lovely substitute.

08 of 26

Slow-Cooker Buttermilk Grits

Slow-Cooker Buttermilk Grits
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling; Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Let your slow-cooker do the work in this buttermilk-infused grits recipe. No constant stirring required!

09 of 26

Shrimp and Grits Casserole

Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Antonis Achilleo; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

It doesn't get any more certifiably Southern than shrimp and grits. Make this family-style dish in under an hour for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

10 of 26

Leek-and-Mushroom Grits Frittata

Leek-and-Mushroom Grits Frittata
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

An egg frittata is great for Sunday brunch, but add some grits and earthy mushrooms and you've got a dish perfect for any meal of the day.

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Italian-Style Grits and Greens with Pulled Pork and Mushrooms

Italian-Style Grits and Greens with Pulled Pork and Mushrooms
Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

For those who say grits are just polenta, this Southern-Italian mashup is a winning recipe. There's nothing more Southern than pulled pork, but when combined with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and garlicky kale, it becomes a fusion feast you'll want to make again and again.

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Creamy Parmesan Grits

Creamy Parmesan Grits
Alison Miksch; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

You only need five ingredients to make this smash hit dish--and chances are you have most of them on-hand already. Don't have Parmesan? Substitute for Gouda or Cheddar.

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Heirloom Red Corn Grits

Steven Greene Heirloom Red Corn Grits
Southern Living

Simplicity is key in this heirloom grits recipe. Just a bit of cheese, salt, and butter create a tasty dish that's sure to keep you coming back for more.

14 of 26

Creamed-Corn Grits

Creamed-Corn Grits
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Double the corn and double the fun in this recipe that combines ground corn (grits) with fresh kernels. This recipe is one of our favorite ways to celebrate the summer season when corn is ripe for the shucking, but it'd be just as good on your holiday table.

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Buttermilk Grits with Country Ham and Shrimp

Hatch Chile Grits Breakfast Bowl Recipe
Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

This recipe consists of two parts: creamy buttermilk grits and a shrimp-and-country-ham topping that's overflowing with deep savory flavor.

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Grits and Greens with Brown Butter Hot Sauce

Grits and Greens with Brown Butter Hot Sauce
Iain Bagwell

Vivian Howard's grits are a cut above the average thanks to a healthy helping of turnip greens and a spicy, buttery sauce drizzled over the top.

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Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole

Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole
Alison Miksch

The key to this crowd-pleasing brunch dish is in the smoked sausage. Salt, thyme, garlic powder, and Cheddar cheese give depth to the casserole's savory flavor.

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Cheesy Grits Soufflé

Brunch for a Crowd Cheesy Grits Soufflé
Hector Sanchez

Grits can be heavy, especially if they have too much time to tighten up on your holiday buffet table. Instead, try this light, airy, and deliciously cheesy soufflé.

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Southern Shrimp and Grits

Southern Shrimp and Grits
Southern Living

This traditional shrimp and grits recipe is quick and easy. It's a classic choice for a delicious weeknight meal, and the addition of smoky Andouille sausage is a slam dunk.

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Braised Lamb Shanks with Parmesan-Chive Grits Recipe

Braised Lamb Shanks with Parmesan-Chive Grits
Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

Grits don't often register as a showstopping dish, but when topped with a sumptuous slow-braised lamb shank, the humble grain is elevated to star status.

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Grits Dressing

Grits Dressing Recipe
Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Grits Dressing

Shake up your Turkey Day traditions by trading in your cornbread dressing for grits dressing this Thanksgiving. This mouthwatering recipe pairs perfectly with pork roast, baked chicken, or beef tenderloin.

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Cheesy Baked Grits with Blue Hokkaido Squash and Bacon

Cheesy Baked Grits with Blue Hokkaido Squash and Bacon
Jennifer Causey; Food Styling: Melissa Gray; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

This recipe celebrates a lesser-known variety of squash, Blue Hokkaido. And because this is a baked, rather than stovetop recipe, you can make it a day in advance and then store in your fridge overnight.

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Instant Pot Grits

Instant Pot Grits
Will Dickey

If you're all about convenience, add this Instant Pot-ready recipe to your repertoire.

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Grits and Lox Casserole

Grits and Lox Casserole
Grits and Lox Casserole from Kugels & Collards.

Emily Brown

If you love a good bagel and lox in the morning, but always want them with a side of grits, this innovative recipe that combines the two breakfast favorites might be your new best friend.

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Grit Cakes with Pork Grillades

Grit Cakes with Pork Grillades
Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

If you've got an abundance of leftover grits taking up room in your fridge, this is the most delicious way to use them up. The Cajun recipe tops crispy grit cakes with a rich pork stew.

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Perfect Pot of Grits

Perfect Pot of Grits
Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Sometimes simple is best. If you're craving a no-frills, honest-to-goodness bowl of grits, our perfect pot of grits recipe is for you.

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