When I think of comfort food, few things come to mind faster than a steaming bowl of grits. Now, take that classic Southern dish and add a bit of spice, a rich helping of cheese, and the freshest summer tomatoes, and you have the ultimate Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits. This is a dish that elevates simple grits to a whole new level, making it not only a breakfast or brunch favorite but also a cozy meal perfect for any time of day.
The best part? It’s a quick family meal that you can prepare in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those evenings when you want something simple yet comforting. It’s versatile too—whether you’re serving it as a light dinner, a hearty brunch, or even a lazy Sunday breakfast, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s full of high protein meals from cheese and bacon, making it a deliciously filling choice.
Let’s dive into why this dish is so irresistible, and I promise it’ll be your new favorite way to enjoy grits!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits are the epitome of healthy comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and spicy in all the right ways, thanks to the blend of cheddar cheese, goat cheese, fresh summer tomatoes, and just a hint of heat from the green chiles. You’ll love the savory depth that the bacon adds, and the sharpness of the cheese that brings everything together.
If you’re craving something that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, this recipe is a no-brainer. It’s also budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that pack a punch when combined. Whether you’re looking for a filling quick family meal or a comforting dish that feels indulgent yet light, Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits has you covered.
This dish is not only tasty but can also be modified to fit various dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to any meal planning chicken or keto meal plan. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to reheat and makes for great leftovers!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is the unique combination of flavors that come together so harmoniously. The tomatoes bring in a burst of freshness that cuts through the creaminess of the grits, while the green chiles add just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish. The two kinds of cheese—cheddar and goat cheese—meld beautifully to make this dish rich and creamy, with a slight tang that contrasts with the savory bacon.
This twist on traditional cheese grits also benefits from the depth and richness of bacon. If you love the smoky flavor bacon adds to dishes, this recipe is for you. The bacon is crispy and crumbled on top of the dish, providing that satisfying crunch that makes each bite feel a little extra special.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. Plus, you can serve it as a side to fried seafood like fried shrimp or fried oysters, or pair it with other Southern classics for a complete meal. It’s an all-around winner!
Ingredients
- Bacon
- Chicken Broth
- Kosher Salt
- Quick-Cooking Grits
- Fresh Summer Tomatoes
- Green Chiles
- Cheddar Cheese
- Goat Cheese
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Making Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits is incredibly simple and quick, making it perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious but don’t have the time to fuss. Here’s how to make it:
- Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon in a large heavy saucepan or cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. The crispy bacon adds so much flavor to this dish, so be sure to get it nice and crispy! Once it’s done, remove the bacon from the pan and drain it on paper towels. Leave 1-2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan—this is what’ll give the grits a lovely flavor.
- Prepare the Grits: Add the chicken broth and kosher salt to the bacon drippings in the pan and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, stir in the quick-cooking grits, chopped tomatoes, and green chiles. Bring everything back to a boil and stir continuously to prevent any lumps. When it comes to grits, there’s nothing worse than lumpy grits, so keep stirring to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Cook the Grits: Once it’s back to a boil, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook the mixture for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. The grits should cook up to a thick, creamy consistency.
- Add the Cheese: Once the grits are cooked to perfection, stir in the cheddar cheese and goat cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated, making the grits extra creamy and cheesy. The cheese adds a richness that complements the spiciness of the green chiles and the freshness of the tomatoes.
- Finish the Dish: Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the top of the grits. If you’d like, you can also garnish with a little fresh parsley to add some color. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting goodness!
Tips for Best Results
- Choose the Right Bacon: For the best flavor, use thick-cut bacon. It holds up well when crispy and adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish.
- Use Fresh Tomatoes: Fresh summer tomatoes are key to making this dish pop with flavor. If you can, use heirloom tomatoes—they’re incredibly juicy and flavorful, which makes all the difference.
- Stir Constantly: When cooking the grits, keep stirring to avoid clumping and to ensure the grits cook evenly. The smoother, the better!
- Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: The two cheeses—cheddar and goat cheese—are what make this dish so creamy and flavorful. Don’t skip either one!
- Add Heat to Taste: The green chiles add a mild heat, but if you like more spice, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is highly customizable, so if you need to make any swaps, here are a few suggestions:
- Bacon Alternatives: If you prefer a leaner option, you can swap out the bacon for turkey bacon or even sausage. Just make sure to cook it until crispy for that perfect texture.
- Cheese Variations: If goat cheese isn’t your thing, you can easily substitute with cream cheese for a milder flavor or monterey jack for extra creaminess.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a hearty vegetarian version of this dish.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese and non-dairy milk to maintain the creamy texture while keeping things vegan.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits are so versatile, and you can pair them with various dishes for a well-rounded meal:
- Fried Shrimp: The crispy texture and savory flavors of fried shrimp are the perfect contrast to the creamy grits. It’s a classic Southern pairing!
- Fried Oysters or Fish: Any fried seafood will work wonderfully with these grits. The crunch of the seafood paired with the creamy grits is a match made in heaven.
- Fresh Biscuits: A side of warm cornmeal biscuits or buttermilk biscuits makes this dish even more comforting. You can dip your biscuit into the grits and savor every bite!
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
For drinks, a refreshing lemonade or iced tea would pair beautifully with these savory, cheesy grits. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of sparkling wine or a mimosa could elevate this dish for a brunch gathering.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftovers of this dish are fantastic! Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or heat them on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to bring the grits back to their creamy consistency.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the grits ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat when ready to serve. Unfortunately, I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the grits may become too grainy once thawed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t Rush the Grits: Give them enough time to cook and thicken properly. Rushing the process can result in a runny or lumpy texture.
- Overcooking the Bacon: Bacon adds a lot of flavor, but be sure not to burn it! Crisp, but not overdone, is the goal.
- Not Stirring Enough: Stir often to prevent the grits from sticking or becoming lumpy. This will ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the bacon and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. Add mushrooms or spinach for a hearty alternative.
What can I substitute for goat cheese?
You can use cream cheese, mozzarella, or even ricotta as a substitute for goat cheese.
How do I prevent lumps in my grits?
Stir continuously as the grits cook to prevent lumps. Be patient and don’t rush the cooking process!
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Large heavy saucepan or cast iron skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Knife for chopping and peeling tomatoes
- Stirring spoon
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Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon
- 3.67 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits
- 2 large tomatoes, scored, peeled, and chopped
- 4 oz can green chiles, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz goat cheese
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large heavy saucepan or cast iron skillet over medium-low heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels, leaving 1-2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan.
- Add the chicken broth and salt to the pan, bringing it to a boil.
- Stir in the grits, chopped tomatoes, and green chiles, then bring the mixture back to a boil, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the grits from sticking.
- Once the grits are creamy and thickened, stir in the cheddar cheese and goat cheese until melted and smooth.
- Top the grits with the crispy crumbled bacon and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, creamy, and spicy grits!
