Southern Grit Cake Benedict with Tomato Gravy
Experience a delightful twist on a classic breakfast staple with this Southern Grit Cake Benedict. Instead of traditional English muffins, we’re using crispy fried grit cakes as the base, topped with savory country ham or Canadian bacon, perfectly fried eggs, and a rich, tangy tomato gravy. This dish is a charming fusion of textures and flavors, capturing the essence of Southern comfort food. Perfect for weekends or special occasions, gather your loved ones to enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal that brings warmth and joy to the breakfast table.
4-6 servings
Servings
367
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked grits
4 1/2 cups (cooled)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (optional)
Salt
1 tablespoon
Pepper
1 tablespoon
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup
Canola oil
1/2 cup
Bacon grease or country ham drippings
1/2 cup (or substitute with equal parts canola oil)
Additional all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons
Milk
1 cup
Chopped tomatoes
1 (12 ounce) can (or 12 fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped)
Country ham or Canadian bacon
16 ounces (cooked in a skillet)
Eggs
8 (fried)
Instructions
1
Start by mixing the cooled grits with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if desired) in a large bowl until well combined. Spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet to create an even layer and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
2
Using a large biscuit cutter, cut out circles from the chilled grit mixture. Alternatively, use festive-shaped cutters for seasonal flair.
3
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of pepper, and 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Dredge each grit cake in the seasoned flour, ensuring both sides are coated.
4
In a skillet, heat 1/2 cup of canola oil over medium heat. Once hot, gently place the grit cakes in the skillet and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes each. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
5
In a separate skillet, cook the country ham or Canadian bacon over medium heat until browned. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6
Using some of the grease left in the skillet (approximately 1/2 cup), add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir quickly to form a roux. Cook until the mixture is lightly golden, about 1 minute.
7
Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk, stirring continuously until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens. Add the chopped tomatoes, season with salt and pepper to taste, and return to a gentle boil. If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of water to achieve desired consistency.
8
While the gravy simmers, fry the eggs in the skillet used for the grit cakes until desired doneness.
9
To serve, place two grit cakes on each plate. Top each with a slice of ham or Canadian bacon, followed by a fried egg. Generously ladle the tomato gravy over the top and enjoy this comforting Southern breakfast delight!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
33g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Grit Cake Benedict with Tomato Gravy?
It is a Southern-inspired twist on Eggs Benedict that replaces traditional English muffins with crispy fried grit cakes, topped with ham, fried eggs, and a tangy tomato gravy.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What are the main components of the grit cakes?
The cakes are made from cooled cooked grits mixed with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper.
How long do the grit cakes need to be refrigerated?
The grit mixture should be spread on a baking sheet and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes until it becomes firm.
What is used to coat the grit cakes before frying?
The cakes are dredged in a seasoned flour mixture consisting of 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of pepper.
How do you shape the grit cakes?
You can use a large biscuit cutter to cut out circles or use festive-shaped cutters for a seasonal look.
What type of oil is used for frying the grit cakes?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of canola oil to fry the grit cakes.
How long should I fry the grit cakes?
Fry them until they are golden brown on both sides, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes per side.
What kind of meat is used in this Benedict?
You can use 16 ounces of either country ham or Canadian bacon.
How do I make the roux for the tomato gravy?
Use about 1/2 cup of grease from the meat skillet and stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, cooking for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
What liquid is added to the tomato gravy?
One cup of milk is gradually whisked into the roux until the mixture simmers and thickens.
Can I use fresh tomatoes for the gravy?
Yes, you can use 12 fresh tomatoes that have been peeled, seeded, and chopped, or one 12-ounce can of chopped tomatoes.
What should I do if the tomato gravy is too thick?
If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency.
How are the eggs prepared?
The 8 eggs should be fried in the same skillet used for the grit cakes until they reach your preferred level of doneness.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 367 calories per serving.
What are the nutritional macros for this dish?
Each serving contains 20g of fat, 33g of carbohydrates, and 10g of protein.
What can I substitute for bacon grease?
You can substitute bacon grease or ham drippings with an equal part of canola oil.
How do you assemble the dish for serving?
Place two grit cakes on a plate, top with a slice of ham or bacon and a fried egg, then generously ladle tomato gravy over the top.
What kind of cheese is added to the grits?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which is optional.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile of the tomato gravy?
The gravy is described as rich and tangy, combining the creaminess of a milk roux with the acidity of chopped tomatoes.
Do I need to cook the grits first?
Yes, you need 4 1/2 cups of cooked grits that have been allowed to cool before starting the grit cake process.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder to season the grits.
Can I use Canadian bacon instead of country ham?
Yes, Canadian bacon is a perfectly acceptable substitute for country ham in this dish.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include breakfast, southern cuisine, eggs benedict, grits, comfort food, and tomato gravy.
How much salt and pepper is used in the dredging flour?
The dredging mixture uses 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of pepper mixed into 1/2 cup of flour.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional information provided does not list any sugar content for this recipe.
What equipment do I need to drain the fried items?
You should use paper towels to drain excess oil from the grit cakes and the ham.
When is the best time to serve this dish?
This hearty meal is perfect for weekends or special occasions and brings warmth to the breakfast table.