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    Home » Recipes » Vegetarian Dishes

    Jun 28, 2020 · Modified: Dec 28, 2021 by Melinda O'Malley Keckler · This post may contain affiliate links · this blog generates income via ads.

    Cheesy Grits

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Cheesy Grits is the perfect blend of smooth cheese with a spicy kick. Don't be swayed by the grits in the title, this is a scrumptious addition to your next family meal.

    Baked cheesy chili grits in a dish.
    Piping hot right out of the oven, this is a dish of cheesy goodness.

    Grits for dinner

    Why yes, grits make a great addition to your evening meal and this recipe is a stellar example. Grits are naturally low in fat which is an added plus - though some of the ingredients we add to them might not have that same description. That's OK, let's enjoy.

    Cubed cheese and garlic on a plate.
    Velveeta cheese and garlic, now there's a creamy, yummy combination.

    Ingredients to have on hand

    • quick cooking grits
    • Velveeta cheese
    • canned jalapeños
    Diced jalapeno peppers in a small bowl.
    You control the heat factor, based on how many diced jalapeños you use. In my family, we like things with plenty of kick.

    Top Tips and FAQ

    Can I leave the jalapeños out of the recipe?

    For sure and it's still delicious. So that's an option, especially if you have little ones in the house who may not like all that heat from the jalapeños.

    Do I need to use Velveeta Cheese?

    For this particular recipe and to get the same creamy, cheesy results, yes. I recommend using Velveeta.

    Eggs, grits and milk.
    As recipes go, this one is easy to prepare and most of the ingredients are basic staples.

    Grits cooking on the stove.

    Whisk the eggs and milk in a separate cup or small bowl and then stir a small amount of the hot grits and cheese in with the eggs. This keeps the hot grits from cooking the eggs too quickly, and unintentionally creating scrambled eggs.

    Cheesy grits ready for the oven.
    Headed for the oven. See the little specs of jalapeño peeking through the cheesy grits?

    The Inspiration for Cheesy Grits

    This recipe was shared by Major General Niles Fulwyler in 2005. To us he was always "Uncle June" and my son's godfather. He was a great entertainer and lived for many years in New Mexico and later in Idaho. This was one of his favorite recipes and it originated from the San Augustin Ranch. Thank you Uncle June!

    More Sides

    Whether it's a holiday meal or a busy weeknight, a made from scratch side dish is always appreciated. Here are some of my other favorite sides. Dig in!

    • Elegant Green Bean Casserole a whole new spin on a family favorite
    • Zucchini Stuffing is a savory, veggie-infused side dish
    • Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, one of my most popular recipes, inspired by a similar version sold at Trader Joe's.

    Recipe

    Baked cheesy chili grits in a dish.

    Cheesy Grits

    Cheesy Grits is a comforting and creamy side dish that offers the perfect blend of smooth cheese with a spicy kick. Don't be swayed by the grits in the title, this is a scrumptious take on a New Mexico classic.
    4.99 from 71 votes
    Print Rate Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour
    Servings: 8 people, as a side dish
    Calories: 220kcal
    Author: Melinda O'Malley Keckler

    Ingredients 

    • 4 cups water
    • 1 cup grits quick cooking grits work best
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 clove garlic mined
    • 1 lb Velveeta Cheese cubed
    • 2 tablespoons pickled or canned jalapeño
    • 2 eggs
    • ¼ cup milk

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°
    • Place water, grits and salt in a large saucepan on the stove and cook over medium high heat until thickened. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Add garlic, cubed cheese and jalapeño. Stir until the cheese is melted.
    • In a small bowl or measuring cup, beat two eggs and ¼ cup milk. Add a few tablespoons of the hot grit mixture to the eggs and milk and mix to combine. Pour all contents from the bowl/cup into the pan with the remaining grits and cheese. Stir to combine.
    • Pour grits mixture into a greased casserole dish and bake for about an hour or until the top is slightly browned and the center is raised and set.
    Tried this recipe? Or pin for later.Mention @crinkledcookbook or tag #crinkledcookbook

    Notes

    For added spicy kick, sometimes I sprinkle a few dashes of hot sauce in with the jalapeños.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 14gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 1257mgPotassium: 252mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 713IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 344mgIron: 1mg

    Please note, the nutrition details are estimated using a food database and are offered here only as a guideline for informational purposes.

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    More Vegetarian Dishes

    • Cauliflower Hummus in a bowl with chips scattered on the table
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    Melinda with corndogs

    Hello there, my friends! It's so great to have you here. My name is Melinda and I absolutely love home cooking. I've been creating delicious recipes for my family for over 30 years. Fun fact about me, I used to work as a TV journalist. Stick around, explore the Crinkled Cookbook, and make great meals at home!

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