Chili Cheese Grits
Indulge in the bold flavors of the South with this creamy, spicy Chili Cheese Grits recipe! Made with rich, stone-ground grits simmered to perfection and infused with sharp cheddar cheese, buttery goodness, and a kick of diced green chilies, paprika, and chili powder, this dish delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. The optional touch of cayenne pepper adds a fiery layer of heat for spice lovers. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a stand-alone meal, these cheesy grits are finished with a garnish of fresh scallions for a pop of color and flavor. With just 10 minutes of prep and under 30 minutes total cook time, this crowd-pleaser is effortless yet unforgettable. Whether you're hosting a Southern-inspired brunch or looking for a cozy dinner option, Chili Cheese Grits will hit all the right notes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup grits (not instant)
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 4-ounce can green chilies, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
Slowly whisk in the grits, stirring constantly to prevent clumps.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the grits cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they don't stick to the bottom.
Once the grits have thickened and softened, stir in the milk and butter until fully incorporated.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is creamy.
Mix in the diced green chilies, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the grits rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Serve the chili cheese grits hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
354 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.7 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.8 g | 69% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 67 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 847 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.6 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.4 g | ||
| Protein | 15.1 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 405 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 274 mg | 6% | |
*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.
