fried grits close up

Fried Cheese Grits

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food, then look no further than fried cheese grits. This classic Southern dish combines creamy grits with melted cheese and a crispy exterior for a satisfying and flavorful meal. In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps to make your own fried cheese grits at home, with a link to my favorite creamy cheese grits recipe and instructions on frying them up until golden brown. Along the way, we’ll share tips and tricks to ensure that your grits come out perfectly every time. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

 

Your grocery list

Deli

  • Parmesan cheese, on the block

Dairy

  • Eggs
  • Whole milk

Pantry Items

  • Flour (all-purpose or self-rising will work for this recipe)
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (peanut oil would also work)

Other

Equipment/tools you’ll need

  • Small pan or tupperware dish
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cookie or biscuit cutter
  • Mixing bowls, for dredging
  • Cast iron pan or shallow sauce pan, for frying
  • Spider or slotted spoon
  • Plate lined with paper towels

fried cheese grits pinterest image

Things to remember when making fried grits

1. Taste and season the grits before chilling them

It’s important to ensure that the grits are seasoned properly before they are chilled. Once the grits are chilled, it becomes difficult to adjust the seasoning. So it’s crucial to taste and adjust the seasoning before chilling them.

I love keeping it simple with just salt, pepper, butter, and cheddar or colby jack cheese.

2. Chilling the grits is not optional

Chilling the grits is an important step in the process because it helps the grits firm up and hold their shape while frying. Skipping this step can result in the grits falling apart during frying, so it’s essential to chill the grits for at least a couple of hours before frying.

3. Double coat the grits

Coating the grits twice in a mixture of flour and then panko breadcrumbs helps create a crispy outer layer while protecting the inside from overcooking. It’s important to make sure that the grits are well coated before frying.

4. Use the right oil for frying

The type of oil used for frying can make a big difference in the final result. A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, peanut, or vegetable oil, is ideal for frying grits.

5. Oil temperature matters

It’s important to maintain a consistent oil temperature while frying grits. If the oil is not hot enough, the grits will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If the oil is too hot, the grits will burn on the outside before cooking through on the inside. A temperature of 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit (176-190 degrees Celsius) is ideal for frying grits.

the inside of fried cheese grits

How to serve fried cheese grits

  • Top the fried grits with classic breakfast ingredients – crispy bacon, sausage, or ham, sautéed vegetables like onions and peppers, or even a fried egg on top
  • Smother the grits in melted cheese or a creamy sauce
  • Pair with braised meat dishes like stew beef, short ribs, oxtail, roasted chicken, etc.


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