• Stone-Ground Grits: These are my personal favorite. Stone-ground grits are made from the entire corn kernel, resulting in a coarser texture and a more robust, corn-forward flavor. They take longer to cook but the depth of flavor and slightly toothsome bite are worth the extra time. Look for grits labeled “stone-ground” or “old-fashioned.” These tend to be less processed and retain more of the corn’s natural goodness. They are often found in the refrigerated section or specialty food stores.
• Hominy Grits (Regular or Quick Grits): These are more readily available in most grocery stores. Hominy grits are made from corn kernels that have had the hull and germ removed. Regular grits cook in about 20-30 minutes, while quick grits are processed even further and cook much faster, in about 5-7 minutes. While quicker, they can sometimes lack the depth of flavor and texture of stone-ground grits. If you are short on time, quick grits will work in this recipe, but I highly recommend trying stone-ground grits at least once for the ultimate grits experience. Make sure to choose “white” or “yellow” grits based on your preference – both work equally well in this recipe.
• Avoid Instant Grits: Instant grits are highly processed and often lack flavor and texture. They are not recommended for this recipe as they will result in a less satisfying and less flavorful dish.

For this recipe, we will focus on using Stone-Ground Grits for their superior flavor and texture, but you can easily adapt the cooking time if using regular or quick grits (refer to package directions). For the Grits Base:

• 1 cup Stone-Ground Grits: The foundation of our creamy masterpiece.
• 4 cups Water or Chicken Broth (or a combination): Liquid is essential for cooking the grits. Water is perfectly acceptable, but using chicken broth (low sodium is recommended) adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the base. For an even richer flavor, you can use a combination of half water and half chicken broth.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: Salt is crucial for seasoning the grits and bringing out their natural corn flavor. Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
• 4 tablespoons Butter (unsalted): Butter adds richness, creaminess, and flavor. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can substitute with olive oil for a slightly lighter option, but butter truly elevates the flavor.
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened: This is the secret ingredient that makes these grits incredibly creamy and cheesy. Softening the cream cheese ensures it melts smoothly into the hot grits. Full-fat cream cheese will provide the best flavor and texture, but you can use reduced-fat if desired.
• 2 cups Shredded Cheese (Sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend): Choose your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses. Sharp cheddar provides a bold, classic cheesy flavor, while Monterey Jack is milder and melts beautifully. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even adding a touch of pepper jack for a little spice, works wonderfully. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly and have a better flavor as it doesn’t contain cellulose to prevent clumping.

For the “Loaded” Toppings (Customize to your liking!): This is where the “loaded” part comes in! The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor the toppings to your taste and what you have on hand. Here are some popular and delicious options:

• Protein:

  • Crispy Bacon: Cooked until crispy and crumbled. A classic and always a crowd-pleaser. Use thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and texture.
  • Cooked Sausage: Breakfast sausage, Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled), or chorizo all work well.
  • Shrimp: Sautéed or grilled shrimp adds a touch of elegance and seafood flavor.
  • Pulled Pork or Chicken: Leftover pulled pork or shredded chicken adds heartiness.
  • Black Beans or Chickpeas (for vegetarian/vegan): Seasoned black beans or chickpeas provide protein and texture for a vegetarian or vegan option.

• Vegetables:

  • Sautéed Onions and Peppers: Adds sweetness and savory flavor. Use any color bell pepper, or a mix.
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy, umami flavor.
  • Spinach or Kale: Wilted spinach or kale adds nutrients and a pop of green.
  • Roasted Tomatoes: Adds sweetness and acidity.
  • Corn (fresh or frozen): Adds sweetness and texture.
  • Avocado: Diced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
  • Green Onions or Chives: For garnish and a fresh, oniony flavor.
  • Jalapeños (fresh or pickled): For a spicy kick.

• Other Toppings:

  • Hot Sauce: For added heat.
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a cool and tangy topping.
  • Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Cilantro, Thyme): For freshness and flavor.
  • Everything Bagel Seasoning: Adds a savory, flavorful crunch.