Creamy Parmesan Grits with Crispy Bacon

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120g) stone-ground grits 1/2 cup (120g) stone-ground grits
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled 4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• Chopped chives, for garnish Chopped chives, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 26g, 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, bring the water and milk to a boil.
2. 2.
   Gradually whisk in the grits, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes or until the grits are thick and creamy.
4. 4.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
5. 5.
   Serve the creamy grits in bowls, topped with the crispy crumbled bacon.
6. 6.
   Garnish with chopped chives for added freshness and color.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Grits — Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor.
• Parmesan cheese — Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the grits.
• Experiment with different toppings such as sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes for added flavor.
• If you prefer a smoky flavor, substitute the regular bacon with smoked bacon.
• To make the dish more indulgent, drizzle a bit of melted butter over the grits before serving.
• Leftover grits can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Simply add a splash of milk or water while reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Parmesan Grits with Crispy Bacon as a delicious breakfast dish alongside scrambled eggs or as a side dish for brunch or dinner. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or sautéed greens.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place a sprig of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, on top of the grits. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness to the dish.