Quick Cheese Grits are a delicious side dish not just for breakfast. Using only six ingredients, this recipe is a simple way to add some comfort to your next meal.
This quick grit recipe is my go to side dish for dinners like smoked sausage and peppers, cajun chicken, or shrimp and grits. It also makes an easy side for breakfast or brunch. One of my favorite breakfasts is having a poached or fried egg on top of these grits with a runny yolk.
Reasons to love Quick Cheese Grits
- They only take 15 minutes to make.
- You can customize the type of cheese to mix in.
- They are a delicious side dish for breakfast, brunch or dinner.

Ingredients
Quick 5-Minute Grits - It's important to note there is a difference between quick grits and instant grits. Quick grits are just finely ground regular grits while instant grits have been cooked and dehydrated. Only use quick grits for this recipe.
Butter - In my opinion, a must for adding extra flavor and creaminess.
Garlic Powder - Adds a subtle garlic flavor that compliments the cheesiness of the grits.
Sharp Cheddar and Parmesan cheese - This is my favorite combination of cheeses because the cheddar gives a nice sharpness while the Parmesan adds more depth and nuttiness. You can do all cheddar or all Parmesan or any other cheese you like!
Cayenne Pepper - Adding just a pinch of cayenne brings out the cheese flavor.
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot that has a lid.
- Slowly whisk in the quick grits and salt, then cover with the lid and reduce the heat to low.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the butter, cheese and cayenne pepper and serve with chopped green onion on top!
If you like this recipe you can rate it and leave a comment below. If you take a picture tag me on Instagram @hungrywaitress! Here's the recipe:
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Quick Cheese Grits
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Quick Cheese Grits are a delicious side dish recipe. This easy recipe is great for breakfast or dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup quick 5-minute grits
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional
- Chopped green onion or chives, optional
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot that has a lid.
- Slowly whisk in the quick grits and salt, then cover with the lid and reduce the heat to low.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the butter, cheese and cayenne pepper and serve with chopped green onion on top!
Notes
When adding the grits to the boiling water, they can pop a little so be sure to cover with the lid.
You can use any combination of cheeses you like.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sides
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick grits are regular grits that have been finely ground in order to cook faster.
There is a difference between quick grits and instant grits. Quick grits are just finely ground regular grits while instant grits have been cooked and dehydrated. Only use quick grits for this recipe.
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Liz says
So yummy and easy! Thank you
Mike says
What happened to the garlic powder, when do you add it?