Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy, this Cheesy Corn and Grits recipe is the ultimate Southern-inspired side dish. Made with tender stone-ground grits cooked to velvety perfection in a blend of whole milk and water, this dish gets a flavor-packed upgrade with sharp cheddar cheese, sweet golden corn kernels, and a hint of garlic. The rich, buttery base pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the sautéed corn, while a sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a pop of color and freshness for the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 35 minutes, this crowd-pleaser is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty dinner accompaniment. Whether you're searching for a cozy comfort food dish or a side that will steal the show, these cheesy corn grits deliver on all fronts.
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and 1 cup of whole milk to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits to prevent clumping.
Reduce heat to low and let the grits simmer, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes or until thickened and creamy.
While the grits are cooking, in a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and sauté the sweet corn kernels for 3-4 minutes until tender and lightly golden. Set aside.
Once the grits are thickened, stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring continuously until fully melted and incorporated.
Stir in the sautéed sweet corn kernels, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the grits.
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Serve the cheesy corn grits hot, topped with chopped green onions if desired.
Calories |
1902 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.0 g | 118% | |
| Saturated Fat | 55.8 g | 279% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 273 mg | 91% | |
| Sodium | 3611 mg | 157% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 210.1 g | 76% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.2 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.5 g | ||
| Protein | 71.6 g | 143% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 1588 mg | 122% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 1164 mg | 25% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.