What Goes Well with Grits? Discover Classic and Modern Pairings

Introduction

What Goes Well With Grits? Ah, grits – a Southern staple that’s versatile, comforting, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re savoring a classic plate of shrimp and grits or simply enjoying this creamy dish with a pat of butter, there’s something magical about the way grits can complement just about any flavor. So, what goes well with grits? This article explores grits recipe ideas, the best grits pairings, and the perfect grits side dishes that elevate the humble bowl of grits to new culinary heights. Let’s dive in to understand exactly what to serve with grits!

Introduction to Grits

Understanding Grits

Grits are a Southern culinary icon, made from ground corn kernels and cooked to a creamy consistency. But not all grits are created equal.

Grits have roots in Native American cuisine. Introduced to European settlers in the 16th century, they’ve since become a breakfast staple and have evolved into a Southern delicacy. Learn more about the origins and history of grits in Southern cuisine from Smithsonian Magazine.Here’s what you need to know:

What Are Grits?

Grits come in several varieties, including:

Stone-Ground Grits: Coarse, hearty, and often considered the most flavorful.
Quick Grits: Finer grind, cooks faster.
Instant Grits: Pre-cooked, just add hot water.
Hominy Grits: Made from nixtamalized corn (corn treated with an alkali).

Origins and History of Grits

Grits have roots in Native American cuisine. Introduced to European settlers in the 16th century, they’ve since become a breakfast staple and have evolved into a Southern delicacy.

How to Cook Grits Properly

Boil Water or Milk: Start with four cups of water or milk for every cup of grits.
Add Grits: Slowly whisk in the grits.
Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and stir occasionally for 20-40 minutes.
Season and Serve: Add butter, salt, or cheese, and serve with your favorite pairing.

Flavor Profiles That Complement Grits

Mild Flavor Base

Grits start with a simple, mild flavor base that makes them a blank canvas for a wide range of pairings. Here’s how to enhance your bowl:

Creamy and Buttery Base Flavors

Butter: Add a pat of butter for extra richness.
Milk or Cream: Substitute water with milk or cream for a velvety texture.
Cheese: Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, or Gouda for a savory, cheesy twist.

Savory Additions

Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that accentuate the natural flavor of grits.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle kick.
Herbs: Chives, thyme, or parsley provide a refreshing note.

Sweet Versions

Sugar: A sprinkle of sugar turns grits into a breakfast treat.
Maple Syrup: Drizzle it for a sweet, syrupy finish.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness with a hint of floral flavor.

Grits can be either sweet or savory, depending on your preference, and that’s part of their charm.

Savory Pairings for Grits

Pairing grits with savory dishes takes this humble food to the next level. Here are some classic and inventive ideas:

Classic Pairings

Shrimp and Grits

Arguably the most famous pairing, shrimp and grits offer a combination of succulent seafood and creamy corn that can’t be beaten.

Southern Classic Recipe: Sauté shrimp in butter, garlic, and Cajun spices, then serve over a bed of cheese grits.
Variations of Shrimp and Grits: Add bacon, sausage, or tomatoes for extra flavor.

Check out Bon Appétit’s Shrimp and Grits Recipe for a delicious take on this classic pairing.

Fried Catfish

Pairing Fried Catfish with Grits: The crispy, seasoned catfish adds a delightful crunch to creamy grits.
Preparing Fried Catfish and Grits Together: Serve alongside a dollop of tartar sauce or hot sauce.

Sausage and Grits

Spicy sausage brings bold flavors to the mild grits:

Regional Variations: Try Andouille sausage for a Cajun twist or breakfast sausage for a classic pairing.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with sautéed onions and peppers.

Other Meat Pairings

Bacon and Grits

Crispy Bacon and Grits: The smoky, salty crunch of bacon pairs perfectly with grits.
Serving Suggestions: Top grits with crumbled bacon and fresh herbs.

Ham and Grits

Pairing Country Ham with Grits: The saltiness of country ham contrasts well with the creamy grits.
Serving Suggestions: Add red-eye gravy for a Southern-style breakfast.

Pork Chops and Grits

Complementing Grits with Pork Chops: Juicy pork chops match well with grits.
Serving Suggestions: Add a splash of gravy or apple compote.

Chicken and Grits

Fried Chicken and Grits: Crispy fried chicken on top of a bed of grits is irresistible.
Chicken Gravy and Grits: Pour rich chicken gravy over grits for a comforting meal.

Vegetable Pairings

Collard Greens

Cooking and Pairing Collard Greens with Grits: Sauté collard greens with bacon or ham hocks, then serve them over grits.

Okra

How Okra Enhances Grits: Fry or stew okra, then mix with grits for a unique flavor combination.

Corn

Pairing Corn with Grits: Creamed corn or whole kernel corn adds a deliciously sweet contrast.

Sweet Pairings for Grits

Surprisingly, grits can also satisfy a sweet tooth. Let’s explore some delightful sweet pairings:

Fruits and Sweeteners

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that elevates grits to a breakfast treat. Drizzle generously over your bowl.

Honey

For a touch of natural sweetness, use honey. Its floral flavor pairs beautifully with creamy grits.

Jam or Preserves

Types of Jams: Apricot, strawberry, and blueberry jams add fruity goodness.
Serving Suggestion: Swirl jam into your grits or spread it on top for a burst of flavor.

Fresh Fruit (Berries, Bananas)

Fresh fruit is an excellent pairing for sweet grits:

Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add a tart contrast.
Bananas: Slice them over grits for a creamy, tropical flavor.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and apricots add sweetness and texture to grits. Soak them in warm water before using to plump them up.

Sweet Spices

Cinnamon and Nutmeg

Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg gives grits a warm, cozy flavor, reminiscent of rice pudding.

Brown Sugar

Flavor Boost: Brown sugar brings a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
Serving Suggestions: Combine with cinnamon for extra warmth.

Cheese Pairings for Grits

Cheese lovers, rejoice! Adding cheese to grits creates a savory, gooey bowl of goodness. Here’s how different cheeses pair perfectly with grits:

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp and Mild Cheddar Variations

Sharp Cheddar: Adds a robust, tangy flavor.
Mild Cheddar: Creamy and mellow.
Serving Suggestions: Stir into grits while cooking or sprinkle on top before serving.

Parmesan Cheese

Nutty Flavor: Parmesan provides a subtle, nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Grate Parmesan over grits or stir it in for an umami boost.

Gouda and Gruyere

Melting Cheeses: Both Gouda and Gruyere melt beautifully, adding a rich flavor to grits.
Serving Suggestions: Create a grits casserole or bake with a Gruyere crust.

Blue Cheese

Bold Flavors: Blue cheese has a strong, tangy taste that contrasts nicely with grits.
Serving Suggestions: Crumble blue cheese on top of grits or mix it into the grits themselves.

Creative Grits Combinations

Sometimes, pairing grits in unconventional ways can lead to surprisingly tasty results. Here are some creative combinations you should try:

Grits Casserole

Layering flavors in a baked casserole dish creates a hearty and satisfying meal:

Base Layer: Start with a creamy layer of grits.
Fillings: Add sausage, bacon, or vegetables.
Toppings: Sprinkle cheese on top and bake until golden.

Grits Bowls

Whether for breakfast or lunch, grits bowls are customizable and versatile:

Breakfast Bowl: Top grits with eggs, bacon, and avocado.
Lunch Bowl: Add roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or shrimp.
Seasonings: Experiment with hot sauce, salsa, or pesto for extra flavor.

Grits Fritters

Crispy Fritters: Fry spoonfuls of chilled grits batter to create crispy fritters.
Fillings and Additions: Mix in cheese, herbs, or diced vegetables.
Serving Suggestions: Dip in hot sauce or serve with a dollop of sour cream.

Grits Pizza

Using grits as a pizza crust is unique and delicious:

Preparation: Spread cooked grits onto a baking sheet and chill until firm.
Toppings: Add sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Baking: Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Serve Grits with Eggs?

Yes, grits pair wonderfully with eggs. Scrambled, fried, or poached eggs are excellent choices. Create a breakfast bowl by adding bacon, cheese, and avocado.

Are Grits Gluten-Free?

Traditional grits are gluten-free because they’re made from corn. However, some brands may process them in facilities that also handle gluten-containing grains, causing cross-contamination. Look for certified gluten-free labels to be sure.

Can You Serve Grits with Steak?

Absolutely! Steak and grits are a luxurious pairing. Serve a juicy steak alongside creamy cheese grits and sautéed mushrooms.

What Is the Difference Between Polenta and Grits?

Polenta originates from yellow corn, whereas grits typically derive from white corn. Polenta has a coarser texture, and grits are creamier and smoother. Both are delicious!

What Herbs Go Well with Grits?

Herbs like thyme, parsley,

and chives complement grits perfectly. Here’s how to incorporate them:

Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a subtle, earthy flavor to savory grits.
Parsley: Chopped parsley provides a fresh, bright contrast.
Chives: A sprinkle of chives gives a mild onion-like flavor.
Rosemary: Pair rosemary with cheese grits for a fragrant twist.

Grits Around the World

Grits might be a Southern staple, but variations of this dish are enjoyed across the globe. Let’s explore some international versions and how they’re traditionally paired:

Polenta (Italy)

Polenta is Italy’s answer to grits and is made from coarsely ground cornmeal:

Pairings: Polenta is served with meat ragù, mushrooms, or cheese.
Preparation: It’s typically simmered until thick and creamy or allowed to set, then sliced and grilled.

Mamaliga (Romania)

A traditional Romanian dish made from yellow cornmeal:

Pairings: Served with sour cream, cheese, or pork cracklings.
Preparation: Often used as a base for stews or casseroles.

Sadza (Zimbabwe)

Sadza is a staple food in Zimbabwe made from finely ground white cornmeal:

Pairings: Served with leafy greens, grilled meat, or peanut butter sauce.
Preparation: The cornmeal is mixed with boiling water and stirred until it reaches a thick consistency.

Ugali (Kenya)

Ugali is similar to grits and is a common dish in Kenya:

Pairings: Usually served with sukuma wiki (collard greens) or nyama choma (grilled meat).
Preparation: Cooked by adding cornmeal to boiling water and stirring until thick.

Harina de Maíz (Dominican Republic)

Harina de Maíz, or cornmeal porridge, is a popular breakfast dish in the Dominican Republic:

Pairings: Sweetened with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, or served with cheese.
Preparation: Cornmeal is simmered with milk or water until thick.

Kasha (Russia)

Kasha refers to a variety of porridges in Russia, including those made from cornmeal:

Pairings: Often paired with butter, sugar, or milk for a sweet version, or with mushrooms and onions for a savory one.
Preparation: Cornmeal is boiled with water or milk until creamy.

Cooking Tips and Tricks for Perfect Grits

Getting the perfect bowl of grits can be tricky. But, by following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to a creamy, flavorful dish every time:

Choose the Right Type of Grits

Stone-Ground Grits: For authentic flavor and texture, choose stone-ground. They take longer to cook but deliver unmatched flavor.
Quick or Instant Grits: If you’re short on time, these are great for quick meals.
Hominy Grits: Consider these for a distinctive taste, made from nixtamalized corn.

Use Flavorful Liquids

Water is traditional, but using other liquids can significantly enhance the flavor:

Milk or Cream: Adds richness and a velvety texture.
Chicken Broth: Infuses the grits with a savory depth of flavor.
Vegetable Stock: Perfect for a plant-based option.

Stir Constantly

Avoid Lumps: Stirring frequently prevents lumps and ensures a smooth consistency.
Whisk in the Grits: Whisking the grits into boiling liquid helps distribute them evenly.

Add the Seasonings Early

Salt and Pepper: Season the liquid early for even flavor distribution.
Butter and Herbs: Add butter and herbs toward the end for a burst of freshness.

Experiment with Toppings and Mix-Ins

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your grits:

Cheese: Cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda, or Gruyere.
Meats: Bacon, sausage, ham, or shrimp.
Vegetables: Spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted peppers.
Sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or cinnamon.

Let Them Rest

After cooking, let the grits sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps them thicken and develop more flavor.

Adjust Consistency

Thicker Grits: For a thicker consistency, let them simmer longer or use less liquid.
Thinner Grits: Add more hot liquid to reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Grits may have humble origins, but they’re incredibly versatile, offering endless pairing possibilities. From savory classics like shrimp and grits to sweet indulgences like honey and jam, grits can be enjoyed in countless ways. So, next time you’re cooking up a pot of this Southern staple, experiment with these flavor profiles and creative combinations to discover what goes well with grits for you.