Tomato Cheese Grits Recipe (2024)

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posted by Amy Johnsonon November 20, 2015 (updated Sep 14, 2021) 3 comments »

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I’m so happy to have my aunt here today sharing one of our favorites,Tomato Cheese Grits Recipe. My Aunt Carole, who lives just down the road in Georgia, published two cookbooks years ago,Hearts Go Home for the Holidays, and Hospitality, Southern Style, both of which have been well used in our home. This hearty and flavorful recipe for Tomato Cheese Grits from Hospitality Southern Style has always been a hit. It’s so perfect for breakfast, brunch and even supper. Please welcome my Aunt Carole as she tells you a bit about it.

One of my favorite recipes from a cookbook that I put togetherover 20 years ago is Tomato Cheese Grits, a very colorful,versatile and delicious way to prepare and serve grits. This particular recipe has been servedanywhere fromoutdoor fish fries to elegant wedding receptions and other places you’d neverexpect to find them.

Whenmy cookbook was being promoted and marketed I’d serveTomato Cheese Grits as a sample at book signings.Many people who’d never tasted grits before had a preconceived notion of what they would taste like. Still, they would get a spoonful and with fear and trepidation give them a try. Manysaid they hated grits, but it was so interesting to see the smile on their faces as they tastedgritsprepared this way and then fun to watch themask for a second helping!

While signing my cookbooks in the gift shop ofThe Biltmore Estate in Asheville,North Carolina (where we were invited many times to do so),a gentleman who had sworn he hated grits tasted them and immediately dropped to one knee and said, “Will you marry me? If you can make something as simple as grits taste that good, I know you would make a good wife for me.” I told him Iappreciated the compliment and the proposal, but gracefully declined because I was already married.He purchased6 cookbooks to be signed!

Thesame Tomato Cheese Grits recipe was prepared and presented on the82nd floor of the Price Waterhouse building in NewYorkCity when I was invited to appear onone of the Television Food Network shows therewhen promoting the cookbooks.It was elevated to a fancy place and presented in a white soup tureen, steaming hot and ready to be devoured.

So, you see, the humble, lowlydish called“grits” has been served and enjoyed inboth low and also very high places.Give them a try! You just may find that you’ve discovered something far more delicious than you everthought it would be!

These Tomato Cheese Grits are great for breakfast or a brunch buffet, and are oh so perfect as a compliment to fried fish. Kick it up a notch and stir in a can of chopped green chiles or spicy Rotel for a delicious spiced up version.

Tomato Cheese Grits Recipe

Tomato Cheese Grits Recipe (3)

Tomato Cheese Grits Recipe

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

These delicious creamy grits are perfect for breakfast, brunch or supper. Great for serving a large crowd from a slow cooker too.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups yellow or white grits
  • 30 ounces canned diced tomatoes
  • 8 ounces (weight) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces (weight) salted butter (1 stick)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (or more to taste)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Begin cooking grits according to package instructions in a large saucepan.
  2. During the last 5 minutes of cooking stir in diced tomatoes (liquid too), shredded cheese, butter, sugar and hot sauce; stir until butter and cheese is melted and everything is fully combined.
  3. Salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

For a spiced up version, add a small can of chopped green chiles or spicy Rotel.

Cooked and crumbled sausage, cooked chopped country ham, or cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp may be added. Delicious!

Did you make this recipe?

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originally published on November 20, 2015 (last updated Sep 14, 2021)

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3 comments on “Tomato Cheese Grits Recipe”

  1. Linda RReply

    These sound so good! Just one question: are the 2 cups grits measured after cooking? Thanks!

    • Amy Johnson

      The 2 cups of grits are measured prior to cooking.

Leave a comment »

Tomato Cheese Grits Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good grits? ›

Grits are a Southern soul food staple and the ultimate creamy comfort food. The key to cooking old-fashioned grits is going low and slow—use a low heat so the grits simmer and slowly release their starches, which creates a decadent, silky texture.

Are grits better with milk or water? ›

Creamy, cheesy piping-hot grits topped with spicy sausage – I don't think it gets much better than that on a cold day. Breakfast, lunch or dinner – this dish is perfect anytime! Aside from lots of delicious cheese, these grits get their extra creaminess by cooking them in milk.

What can I add to grits to make it taste better? ›

Toppings for Grits
  1. Sweet: Butter, cinnamon, raisins, syrup, brown sugar, peanut butter, jam, or berries.
  2. Savory: Cheese, fried eggs, bacon (cooked and chopped), caramelized onion, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, scallions, or herbs.
Jun 22, 2022

What is the best ratio of water to grits? ›

Proper Grits Technique

At home, I'll often start with a 4:1 ratio by volume of water to grits, and if the grits aren't fully cooked through by the time they've thickened, I'll add more water, bumping the ratio up to 5:1.

How many cups of water for 2 cups of grits? ›

1. The ratio you need to remember for stone-ground grits is 4:1. It's 4 cups of liquid to 1 cup of stone-ground grits. You can use all water, or a combination of stock, water, and milk.

Should you cook grits covered or uncovered? ›

Cook grits uncovered at a low-medium temp until they soften. If grits “firm up” before they soften, slowly add some water or stock or milk. Keeping a pot of hot water or stock simmering on the stove is very helpful. Hot liquid is best but not essential if you are using milk or cream.

What do grits do to your body? ›

More Nutritious than Some Other Corn Products

Hominy grits, made via a process known as nixtamalization, are higher in key nutrients like calcium and iron.. Additionally, they serve as an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy for daily activities.

Are grits better for you than oatmeal? ›

Oatmeal is higher in both fiber and protein than grits. However, grits have more micronutrients like potassium, calcium and vitamin A. Furthermore, each choice offers unique health benefits to consider.

Are grits good for your stomach? ›

Health Benefits of Grits

Grits are a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy to your body. They are also a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and promote a healthy gut. Grits are low in fat and cholesterol, making them heart-healthy food choices.

What do you eat with cheese grits? ›

Cheesy Grits with Poached Eggs, Greens, and Bacon

Winter's answer to the grain bowl, this feels super hearty and satisfying.

How do Southerners eat their grits? ›

Serving Southern Grits

We always add cheese to our grits — either Parmesan or sharp cheddar. But you can certainly skip the cheese altogether; some people prefer theirs without. We often eat these grits as-is for breakfast (or topped with a fried egg or crumbled sausage).

How much does 1 cup of grits make? ›

To Make 4 Servings:

1 Cup Grits. 4 Cups Water. 1/4 Tsp Salt (optional)

How many grits per person? ›

Season with salt, pepper, and butter. For 2 servings: Use 1 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup grits. For 8 servings: Use 4 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup grits. For 24 servings: Use 3 quarts water, 1 tablespoon salt, and 3 cups grits.

What do Southern people put on their grits? ›

Serving Southern Grits

We always add cheese to our grits — either Parmesan or sharp cheddar. But you can certainly skip the cheese altogether; some people prefer theirs without. We often eat these grits as-is for breakfast (or topped with a fried egg or crumbled sausage).

How do you elevate grits? ›

I usually add butter and a small amount of hot pepper sauce. On occasion, instead of adding butter and hot sauce, I will add a little brown sugar and some raisins. Shrimp and grits, cooked with savory seasonings, is a popular dish.

How long should you soak grits before cooking? ›

Before turning on the stove, artisan grain producer Anson Mills recommends soaking the grits overnight for a “superior” texture. This step also reduces the cooking time by about 50 percent, which can take from about 20 minutes to 1 hour or more, depending on the type of grits and desired consistency.

How do you make grits less gritty? ›

Is there a way to cook grits and make the texture less gritty? - Quora. Make them creamier by cooking longer. Some folks add milk to the water and say that helps as well.

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