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Creamy Southern cheddar cheese grits topped with melted butter in a bowl

Southern 4-Ingredient Cheese Grits

Creamy Southern cheese grits made with stone-ground grits, water, butter, and sharp cheddar. A comforting side dish ready in about 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup stone-ground grits not instant or quick-cooking
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Method
 

  1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt if desired.
  2. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits in a thin stream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  3. Reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until the grits are tender and creamy. Add a splash of hot water if they become too thick.
  4. Turn off the heat and stir in the butter until melted.
  5. Add the sharp cheddar a handful at a time, stirring until smooth. Taste and add more salt if needed. Serve immediately, topped with an extra pat of butter if desired.