What are grits? This is a question you’re not likely to hear from anyone born and raised in the South. But there are still some Americans who have never tasted them. And that’s a shame because this absolutely delicious dish goes with so many different foods.

Or you can eat them alone if you just want a little comfort food. Add a dollop of butter and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper for a mouthful of deliciousness.

You can also add this comfort food to any meal, and call it southern. In fact, many southerners eat it every single morning for breakfast or as a side in place of rice.

Grits make a delicious side dish whenever you make a breakfast casserole.

Saying grits ‘n eggs, grits ‘n ham, or grits ‘n anything is more than just a southern expression. It’s something we really do enjoy eating.

Singular or Plural

As I researched this delicious dish for this post, I noticed a lot of inconsistencies in the use of “grits are” vs. “grits is.”

According to Dictionary.com, the word “grits” can be used with either a singular or plural verb. Since it sounds better to me to use the plural version, that’s what I’ll do here.

You can say it however you like. Just make sure you order them next time you go out for breakfast.

Then you’ll want to stop off at the grocery store and pick some up. They’re so easy to make, and they go with almost any breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

What Are Grits Made Of?

The form of this dish that most southerners enjoy come from ground and dried hominy corn.

Then you cook them with water or milk to make a “gritty” form of mush.

Are Grits the Same Thing as Polenta?

They’re basically the same but with two big differences.

Grits are a southern comfort food made from white corn, while polenta is used in Italian dishes and is made from yellow corn.

Are They Good for You?

In addition to being filling, they have some essential nutrients that include iron, B vitamins, and fiber.

However, some of the things you might want to add (i.e., butter or cheese) can significantly increase the calorie count as well as some of the nutrients.

What Do Grits Taste Like?

Some people think they are flavorless, but I think they have a hint of corn flavor.

However, the taste is so subtle they take on the flavor of what you serve them with.

How Do You Cook Them?

They are super easy to cook. Although I’ve made them in the microwave, I find it’s just as easy to make them on the stovetop.

All you need are grits, water, and salt. My grandmother used to add a little bacon grease to the pot, and added quite a bit of flavor.

This time, I used the Quaker Quick 5-Minute Grits because that was all I could find at the store. However, I prefer the regular version, and they don’t take much longer to make.

I like the standard way of making them because I enjoy the familiar texture.

However, one of my grandfathers liked them runny, while the other like them firmer, with less liquid.

As with anything else, it’s all about your personal preference. Experiment a little and decide for yourself which way you prefer them, runny or firm.

How Do You Eat Them?

Basically, they remind me of rice or mashed potatoes because you can eat them a variety of ways.

I prefer them with butter, salt, and pepper when I eat them for breakfast with scrambled eggs or vegetable omelets.

They also make a great accompaniment in the southern favorite, this shrimp and grits dish.

When I was in college, I ate at the campus Commons. I ate breakfast almost every morning, and I didn’t care for the eggs.

Most likely, they came from a carton rather than a shell. After all, the campus mess hall had a lot of hungry mouths to feed, and cracking that many shells could take all day.

At any rate, I didn’t like the way they tasted, so I always mixed them with grits to make them palatable. I wasn’t the only one who did that.

A lot of people like to add cheese to them. I generally don’t eat them that way. However, I do like both foods, so I like it. That’s just not my favorite way to eat them.

Other ways you can eat them are with sausage crumbles, bacon bits, onions, or with milk.

I’ve known very few southerners who put sugar on them. But there’s nothing wrong with that if it’s how you like them. Other people add honey or maple syrup.

If you’ve never had them before, try them a variety of ways before you pass judgment. Food should be nutritious, but I believe it should also taste good.

Instructions

Bring the salted water to a boil over high heat.

Turn down the heat to simmer.

Add the grits, give them a quick stir, put a lid on them, and wait five minutes.

Then they’re done and ready to enjoy!

If you want them a bit firmer, decrease the water by 2 tablespoons. On the other hand, if you prefer to have them runny, add 2 tablespoons of water.

You can even make them creamier by substituting milk for some or all of the water.

I advise preparing them the standard way and adjust according to your personal taste.

Common Questions About Grits

Grits are such a popular food in some parts of the country that you might have some questions about them. Here are some of the most common questions I’ve been asked.

What are the Dark Specks in Grits?

Grits are made from corn. It’s not unusual for pieces of the corn kernel to get into the batch. If you see dark specks, don’t worry. It’s not dirt or bugs. It’s part of the corn that the grits were made from.

How Do You Keep Leftover Grits?

If you’re unable to eat all of that you made, you can store them in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure you cover them with plastic or store them in an airtight container.

Can You Reheat Grits?

Yes, you can reheat them. However, you need to be very careful how you go about reheating them to prevent them from drying out.

One way is to place them in a microwave safe bowl. Add a small amount of water or milk to the grits and stir them until they loosen up. Place them in the microwave on high for about 30 seconds, Remove them from the microwave and stir them. If they’re not hot enough repeat this process until you have them at the perfect temperature.

Another way to reheat them is to put them in a small saucepan. Add a tablespoon or two of water or milk and turn the heat on medium. Stir them frequently to keep them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Ultimate Comfort Food

Your taste for this delicious dish might have begun as a child in the South. Or you may be from the North and learn to like them.

Whatever the case, many of us consider them to be the ultimate comfort food. There is no better way to start the day than to have them for breakfast.

Acronym

The word “grits” is also an acronym for a number of sayings.

Some of them include “girls raised in the South,” “gentleman raised in the South,” “gals raised in the South,” and “guys raised in the South.”

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