Savory Grilled Garlic Cheese Grits
Discover a delightful twist on classic grits with our Savory Grilled Garlic Cheese Grits. This recipe brings together the creamy texture of old-fashioned grits and the robust flavor of sharp cheddar cheese, all infused with the aromatic essence of garlic. Perfectly grilled for a smoky finish, these squares offer an excellent alternative to baked potatoes, especially when paired with grilled steak, chicken, or your favorite barbecue dishes. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these grits make a unique and satisfying side dish that will impress your guests and delight your palate. Plus, you can easily use instant grits for a quicker preparation without sacrificing flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
4 cups (boiled)
old-fashioned grits
1 cup (uncooked)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
cheddar cheese
4 ounces (shredded)
garlic
1-2 cloves (minced)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for brushing)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of uncooked old-fashioned grits and 1 teaspoon of salt, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
2
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 40 to 45 minutes or until the grits have thickened to your desired consistency.
3
Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 to 2 cloves of minced garlic, mixing until the cheese is completely melted and the garlic is evenly distributed.
4
Spray a 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and pour in the grits mixture, spreading it evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until firm.
5
When you're ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium heat and coat the grill rack with nonstick cooking spray. Cut the chilled grits into 3-inch squares.
6
Brush both sides of each square with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to enhance browning and flavor.
7
Place the grit squares on the grill and cook, covered, for 4 to 6 minutes on each side or until they are lightly browned and have crisp edges. Remove from the grill and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Grilled Garlic Cheese Grits?
They are a unique side dish featuring creamy old-fashioned grits mixed with sharp cheddar and garlic, chilled, cut into squares, and grilled for a smoky finish.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 main ingredients: water, old-fashioned grits, salt, cheddar cheese, garlic, and olive oil.
What type of grits should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked old-fashioned grits.
Can I substitute old-fashioned grits with instant grits?
Yes, you can easily use instant grits for a quicker preparation without sacrificing flavor.
How much water is required to cook the grits?
You will need 4 cups of water to bring to a rolling boil.
What is the recommended cooking time for simmering the grits?
The grits should simmer on low heat for about 40 to 45 minutes until thickened.
What kind of cheese is used in these garlic grits?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe requires 1 to 2 cloves of garlic that have been minced.
When do I add the cheese and garlic to the grits?
Stir in the cheese and minced garlic once the grits have thickened and been removed from the heat.
How long do the grits need to be refrigerated?
The mixture needs to be covered and refrigerated for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until firm.
What size baking dish should I use to chill the grits?
A 9-inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray is recommended.
How do I prepare the grits for grilling?
Cut the chilled and firm grits into 3-inch squares before placing them on the grill.
What should I do to the grit squares before placing them on the grill?
Brush both sides of each 3-inch square with olive oil to enhance browning.
What grill temperature is best for this recipe?
Preheat your grill to medium heat.
How long should the grit squares stay on the grill?
Grill them for 4 to 6 minutes on each side.
Do I need to cover the grill while cooking?
Yes, the grits should be cooked on the grill while covered.
What is the final texture of the grilled grits?
The final result should be lightly browned with crisp edges and a creamy center.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Savory Grilled Garlic Cheese Grits are a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
What are some recommended main dishes to pair with these grits?
They pair perfectly with grilled steak, chicken, or your favorite barbecue dishes.
Can these be served as an alternative to potatoes?
Yes, these grilled grit squares offer an excellent and unique alternative to traditional baked potatoes.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste.
What is the purpose of the olive oil in this recipe?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for brushing the squares to improve flavor and help them brown on the grill.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on cutting the mixture into 3-inch squares in a 9-inch dish, it typically provides 9 servings.
How do I prevent lumps when cooking the grits?
Gradually whisk the grits into the boiling water while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Should the grits be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions specify letting the mixture simmer uncovered.
How do I prepare the grill rack?
Coat the grill rack with nonstick cooking spray before preheating.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
Expect a savory, cheesy, and aromatic garlic flavor with a subtle smoky finish from the grill.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is great for home cooks.
Can I make this dish for a barbecue event?
Absolutely, it is specifically noted as being great for backyard barbecues.
How should the finished grits be served?
Remove them from the grill and serve them immediately while they are warm.