Description

This cheesy grits recipe with scallion cheddar ribbon transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, savory, and hearty dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a family-friendly comfort food packed with flavor and ease.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup milk
4 tbsp butter
1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated (freshly grated melts smoother)
Salt and pepper, to taste
0.25 cup scallions, thinly sliced
0.5 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, ribboned or grated (for visual appeal)

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients on your workspace. Grate the main cheddar cheese, slice the scallions for the ribbon, and measure out all liquids accurately.
Cook Grits: Bring broth and milk to a gentle simmer in a sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat (approx. 5-7 minutes), watching for small bubbles. Slowly whisk in the grits, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens slightly (about 1 minute). Reduce the heat to very low, cover the pot tightly, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure a tender, creamy consistency. (If the grits look too thick or dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of hot broth or milk).
Make Cheesy: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the butter until fully melted, then incorporate the 1.5 cups of grated cheddar until it is completely melted and smooth. Taste and season generously with salt and fresh cracked pepper, adjusting to your preference.
Add Scallion Cheddar Ribbon: While the cheesy grits are still hot, gently fold in the thinly sliced scallions and the extra 0.5 cup of ribboned cheddar. The residual heat will slightly soften the cheese and release the fresh aroma of the scallions.

Notes

If your grits are too thick, add a splash more hot broth or milk, stirring until the desired consistency is reached. If they are too thin, continue to cook uncovered for a few more minutes over low heat to evaporate excess liquid. For extra creamy grits with a super smooth texture, use an immersion blender briefly at the very end. Consider using low-sodium broth, organic grits, or plant-based alternatives for dietary needs.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360g)
Calories: 500 calories
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 500 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 33 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 19 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg