Chili Cheese Grits
Indulge in the bold flavors of the South with this creamy, spicy Chili Cheese Grits recipe! Made with rich, stone-ground grits simmered to perfection and infused with sharp cheddar cheese, buttery goodness, and a kick of diced green chilies, paprika, and chili powder, this dish delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. The optional touch of cayenne pepper adds a fiery layer of heat for spice lovers. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a stand-alone meal, these cheesy grits are finished with a garnish of fresh scallions for a pop of color and flavor. With just 10 minutes of prep and under 30 minutes total cook time, this crowd-pleaser is effortless yet unforgettable. Whether you're hosting a Southern-inspired brunch or looking for a cozy dinner option, Chili Cheese Grits will hit all the right notes.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup grits (not instant)
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 4-ounce can green chilies, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Step 2
Slowly whisk in the grits, stirring constantly to prevent clumps.
Step 3
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the grits cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they don't stick to the bottom.
Step 4
Once the grits have thickened and softened, stir in the milk and butter until fully incorporated.
Step 5
Add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is creamy.
Step 6
Mix in the diced green chilies, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
Step 7
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 8
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the grits rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 9
Serve the chili cheese grits hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1863.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1455.1 |
| Total Fat 86.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 53.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g | |
| Cholesterol 275.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3771.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 114.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 22.5g | |
| Protein 61.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 147.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1616.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1417.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories