Moms Cheese Grits

Featured in Vegetable and Grain Side Favorites.

Savour rich and creamy grits blended with sharp cheddar, butter, and cream. A warm, comforting side dish with incredible taste from simple ingredients.

Aisha
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:23:00 GMT
A creamy bowl of yellow grits topped with shredded cheddar, green onions, and a touch of paprika. Pin it
A creamy bowl of yellow grits topped with shredded cheddar, green onions, and a touch of paprika. | cookingflavor.com

Country-Style Inherited Cheesy Grits Delight

I want to pass down my mom's knockout cheesy grits that've been floating around our family for ages. This down-home comfort dish packs tons of butter, thick cream, and heaps of cheese. I whip these up whenever we host fancy brunches or just need something warm and tasty. Trust me—once you sample these, you'll get why everyone in our family raves about them.

What Makes This No-Fuss Dish Special

You'll fall for this family favorite because:

  • It's unbelievably velvety thanks to the cream
  • There's cheese by the pound for maximum taste
  • It comes straight from authentic Southern roots
  • You can enjoy it morning, noon, or night

Basic Components For Cheesy Grits

  • Grits: Standard dry ones create just the right consistency.
  • Butter: We don't skimp—a whole stick goes in.
  • Cheese: Mom always picked sharp cheddar for good reason.
  • Heavy Cream: This turns everything wonderfully smooth.
  • Salt: Just the right amount to boost all flavors.
  • Water: Works with the cream for ideal cooking texture.

Straightforward Cooking Method

Get Your Liquids Ready
Mix your water and cream in a sturdy, thick pot. Let it warm up till you notice tiny bubbles forming at the edges. Take your time here. Getting the temperature just right means your grits will soak up all that creamy goodness evenly.
Handle The Grits Just Right
Here's the crucial bit—pour your grits in gradually while whisking non-stop. This stops lumps and makes sure every bit gets properly wet. Turn down the heat and keep stirring every so often for around 20-25 minutes. You'll see them change from gritty to super smooth. They should be thick enough that your whisk leaves marks as you stir.
Drop In The Good Stuff
When your grits look thick and creamy, it's time to make them truly decadent. Put in your butter bit by bit, waiting for each chunk to vanish before adding more. Then slowly mix in your cheese, stirring until everything melts completely. This unhurried approach gives you that dreamy, smooth feel we're aiming for.
Finish It Off Perfectly
Now give it a try and tweak the flavor. Add salt bit by bit, mixing and tasting as you go—remember you can always put more in but can't take it out. When it tastes just right, serve it up straight away while everything's hot and creamy. For a real treat, top each serving with a tiny slice of butter that makes golden puddles on top.

Tricks For Perfect Results

  • Don't Use Fake Cream: The real stuff completely transforms this dish.
  • Stir Constantly: You won't get lumps if you pay attention.
  • Pick Quality Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings out the best taste.
A bowl of creamy yellow grits topped with shredded cheese and chopped green onions, with a small dish of sauce in the background. Pin it
A bowl of creamy yellow grits topped with shredded cheese and chopped green onions, with a small dish of sauce in the background. | cookingflavor.com

Quick Pairing Suggestions

These no-fuss grits taste amazing with:

  • Your fancy morning spread
  • Regular evening meals
  • Baked vegetables for something light

Cherished Family Favorite

This quick homemade dish isn't just food—it's part of our heritage. Every rich spoonful brings back memories of weekend gatherings and holiday mornings. Make them for something fancy or just because—they'll probably become a staple in your household too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is constant stirring important?

Keeps lumps away, making the grits smooth and silky.

→ Which type of grits is best to use?

Stick with old-fashioned grits for texture, and skip instant ones.

→ Can I swap out the cheese?

Sharp cheddar gives the best taste, but melty cheeses are great too.

→ Can this dish be made in advance?

It’s best fresh, but keeping it warm in the oven works fine.

→ What’s the purpose of hot sauce?

It boosts flavor without adding too much heat.

Cheese Grits Moms

Southern comfort with creamy grits, cheddar, butter, and cream. An easy, classic side dish everyone loves.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Aicha

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Southern

Yield: 6 Servings (6)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 cup old-fashioned grits.
02 1 cup heavy cream.
03 3 cups water.
04 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
05 8 tablespoons butter, split in half.
06 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese.
07 Tabasco sauce to your liking.

Instructions

Step 01

In a medium pot, combine heavy cream, water, kosher salt, and 4 tablespoons of butter.

Step 02

Bring the mixture up to a rapid boil on medium-high while you’re grating cheese.

Step 03

Shred the cheddar on the larger side of a box grater—should make about 4 cups worth.

Step 04

Slowly sprinkle grits into boiling mixture, stirring all the time so it doesn’t get clumpy.

Step 05

Once the grits are mixed in, turn the heat way down to low.

Step 06

Let the grits gently cook for 20 minutes, stirring every so often until they’re tender and the liquid’s gone.

Step 07

Stir the grated cheddar into the cooked grits until it’s smooth and melted through.

Step 08

Stir in the rest of the butter (4 tablespoons) until it’s melted and blended in.

Step 09

Shake in Tabasco a little at a time to bring out the flavors.

Step 10

Give it a taste and add a touch more salt if it needs it.

Step 11

Dish it out while it’s still hot, with extra Tabasco on the side if you like.

Step 12

Or you can pop it in a baking dish and keep it warm in the oven instead.

Notes

  1. Southern favorite.
  2. Thick and indulgent.
  3. Basic pantry staples.
  4. Great for side or main.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium-sized pot.
  • Cheese shredder.
  • Wooden spoon for stirring.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream, butter, cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 22 g