Three Cheese Creamy Grits

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These grits are incredibly satisfying, simple to prepare, and full of bold, comforting flavor. The combination of three cheeses gives the dish depth and creaminess that elevates traditional grits to a gourmet experience. They’re naturally gluten-free and endlessly versatile—great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Once you try this cheesy version, you’ll never go back to plain grits again.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Stone-ground grits or quick-cooking grits
• Water
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

1. Heat the liquids: In a large saucepan, bring water, milk, and cream to a gentle boil over medium heat. Add salt.
2. Add grits: Slowly whisk in the grits to avoid clumping. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, until thickened and tender—about 20–25 minutes for stone-ground or 10–15 minutes for quick grits.
3. Stir in butter and cheese: Once grits are fully cooked and creamy, stir in the butter, cheddar, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Mix until all the cheeses are melted and fully incorporated.
4. Season and serve: Add black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add garlic: Stir in a clove of minced garlic or garlic powder while cooking for extra flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for a kick.
• Add herbs: Mix in fresh thyme, chives, or parsley for a herby twist.
• Smoked cheese: Replace one cheese with smoked gouda or smoked cheddar for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Shrimp & grits: Top with sautéed shrimp, bacon, and green onions for a full Southern-style meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm over low heat on the stove, stirring until smooth.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, and add liquid as needed to restore creaminess.

FAQs

What kind of grits should I use?

Stone-ground grits offer the best texture and flavor, but quick-cooking grits are a faster option. Avoid instant grits for this recipe.

Can I make these grits ahead of time?

Yes, make them a day in advance and reheat gently with added milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.

What cheeses work best?

Sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and Parmesan offer a great balance of flavor and creaminess, but you can mix and match based on preference.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, use all milk instead of cream for a lighter version, though it will be slightly less rich.

Are grits gluten-free?

Yes, grits are naturally gluten-free, but always check packaging to ensure there’s no cross-contamination.

How do I prevent lumps in grits?

Whisk continuously while slowly adding the grits to hot liquid to keep the texture smooth.

Can I freeze creamy grits?

Grits don’t freeze well due to texture changes, but you can refrigerate and reheat within a few days.

What can I serve with cheesy grits?

They pair well with eggs, bacon, shrimp, sautéed greens, or grilled vegetables.

Why are my grits too thick?

Grits thicken as they sit. Stir in more warm milk or cream to loosen them to your desired consistency.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheeses for a dairy-free version, though flavor and texture may vary.

Conclusion

Three Cheese Creamy Grits are the definition of comfort in a bowl—warm, rich, and incredibly flavorful. With their smooth texture and cheesy depth, they’re a standout side or main dish that can be dressed up or down for any meal. Whether you’re new to grits or a longtime fan, this recipe brings a gourmet twist to a Southern staple that’s sure to impress.

Three Cheese Creamy Grits

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Three Cheese Creamy Grits are rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor from sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and Parmesan. A comforting, gluten-free side or main dish perfect for any meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Side Dish, Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 cup stone-ground or quick-cooking grits
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, bring water, milk, cream, and salt to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2. Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent clumping. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, until thickened and tender—about 20–25 minutes for stone-ground or 10–15 minutes for quick grits.
3. Once cooked and creamy, stir in butter, cheddar, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Mix until fully melted and incorporated.
4. Season with black pepper to taste and serve hot. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Whisk constantly when adding grits to avoid lumps.
• Grits thicken as they sit—add warm milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
• Use smoked cheese or herbs like thyme or chives for variation.
• Avoid instant grits for best flavor and texture.
• Pairs well with shrimp, eggs, bacon, or sautéed vegetables.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 65mg