Southern Style Cheese Grits

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the Finnish dish Luckeleskäs to Southern American cuisine, the traditional ingredients like curd cheese and lingonberry jam are replaced with grits and cheese. The cooking technique is also modified to achieve a creamy texture. The flavors are adjusted to suit the Southern American palate, incorporating spices and butter for a richer taste. We alse have the original recipe for Luckeleskäs, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (240ml) stone-ground grits 1 cup (240ml) stone-ground grits
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter 2 tablespoons (28g) butter

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low.
2. 2.
   Cook the grits for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are thick and creamy.
3. 3.
   Stir in the milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if desired).
4. 4.
   Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the grits are smooth and well-incorporated.
5. 5.
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and butter until melted and fully combined.
6. 6.
   Let the cheese grits rest for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Grits — Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor.
• Cheddar cheese — Opt for sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the cheesy taste of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the grits.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or smoked gouda, to add unique flavors to the dish.
• To make the dish spicier, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste.
• Serve the cheese grits as a side dish with fried chicken or shrimp for a complete Southern meal.
• Leftover cheese grits can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Add a splash of milk while reheating to restore the creamy texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Southern Style Cheese Grits hot as a side dish or a main course. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped fresh herbs for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Presentation advice

Serve the cheese grits in individual bowls or on a platter, allowing the golden color and melted cheese to shine. Consider adding a garnish of fresh parsley or chives for an elegant presentation.