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    Home » Blog

    Quick Cheese Grits

    Published: Dec 22, 2023 · Modified: Oct 30, 2025 by Leanna Myers · This post contains affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·5 from 1 review

    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.

    quick cheese grits with green onions this Recipe!

    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.
    creamy cheese grits in a large bowl

    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

    1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot that has a lid.
    2. Slowly whisk in the quick grits and salt, then cover with the lid and reduce the heat to low.
    3. Cook for 5 minutes.
    4. 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


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 1 review

    • Author: The Hungry Waitress
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: 4 1x
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    Description

    Quick Cheese Grits are a delicious side dish recipe. This easy recipe is great for breakfast or dinner!


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 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

    1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot that has a lid.
    2. Slowly whisk in the quick grits and salt, then cover with the lid and reduce the heat to low.
    3. Cook for 5 minutes.
    4. 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

    What makes quick grits quick?

    Quick grits are regular grits that have been finely ground in order to cook faster.

    What's the difference between quick 5-minute grits and instant grits?

    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.

    Looking for more recipes? Check these out:

    • Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs
    • Mediterranean Pasta Salad
    • Homemade Pepperoni Pizza
    • Skillet Pizza

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    • Healing Egg Drop Soup
    • Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables
    • Creamy Chicken Paprikash

    Comments

    1. Liz says

      December 22, 2023 at 2:22 pm

      So yummy and easy! Thank you

      Reply
    2. Mike says

      January 19, 2026 at 8:18 am

      What happened to the garlic powder, when do you add it?

      Reply

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    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    Straight forward recipes using everyday ingredients

    Meet the fam!

    Leanna here, and I love cooking and sharing delicious recipes. My hope is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and cook something amazing today.

    Want to work together? Shoot me an email at hungrywaitress@gmail.com

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