Grits are a beloved Southern staple that make a delicious and hearty breakfast. But what do you serve with grits to make the perfect morning meal?
From savory to sweet, there are plenty of delicious options for what to serve with grits for breakfast. Whether you’re looking for easy-to-prepare recipes or creative twists on traditional dishes, this article will provide you with all the ideas you need to make your next breakfast special.
With tips on how to prepare classic accompaniments like bacon, eggs, and cheese, as well as inspiring new flavors such as peaches and blueberries, this guide has something for everyone. Read on to find out how to make a delicious meal of grits with all the fixings!A delicious egg dish to serve with grits for breakfast is scrambled eggs. Scrambled eggs are easy to make and provide a great source of protein for a hearty breakfast. This classic dish pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of grits, making it an ideal combination for a morning meal.
Southern-Style Sides To Accompany Grits
Grits are a classic Southern staple. From a simple bowl of creamy grits to a savory shrimp and grits dish, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this delicious dish. To make the perfect Southern-style meal, it’s important to pair it with the right sides. Here are some delicious side dishes that perfectly accompany grits.
A classic Southern side is collard greens or turnip greens. Cooked in a pot on the stove, these greens become tender and flavorful when cooked with bacon or pork fat, garlic, onions, and seasonings like red pepper flakes. The perfect combination of salty and spicy makes these greens the perfect accompaniment for creamy grits.
Fried green tomatoes are an iconic Southern side dish that pairs well with any type of grits dish. Fried in cornmeal and served hot off the skillet with a dollop of ranch dressing or remoulade sauce, these fried tomatoes bring out the flavor of savory or sweet grit dishes alike.
Okra is another traditional Southern side that goes great with grits. It can be cooked in various ways—fried in oil until crispy, stewed in a tomato broth, or even pickled—and is always packed with flavor and texture. When served alongside creamy grits and topped off with hot sauce or tartar sauce, this okra dish will be sure to please any palate.
Black-eyed peas are another classic accompaniment to cheesy grits dishes like shrimp and grits. Cooked with ham hocks for extra flavor, these black-eyed peas add a slightly smoky taste that helps bring out all the flavors of your favorite cheesy grit dish.
These sides provide a delicious balance to any type of Southern-style meal featuring grits as its star ingredient. From collard greens to fried green tomatoes to okra and black-eyed peas, there’s no shortage of delicious sides that pair perfectly with your favorite type of creamy or cheesy southern comfort food!
Delicious Toppings For Grits
Grits is a classic southern dish made from ground cornmeal that can be served as a side dish or as a main meal. It has a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs well with many different savory toppings. From cheese and bacon to vegetables and seafood, there are plenty of delicious topping options for grits. Here are some of our favorites:
Cheese is the classic topping for grits, adding a savory flavor and creamy texture. Shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella all make great additions to the dish. For an extra flavor boost, try adding crumbled feta or blue cheese.
Bacon is another popular topping for grits. The smoky, salty flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the mild flavors of the grits. Try adding chopped cooked bacon to your grits for an extra flavorful dish.
Vegetables are also great toppings for grits. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes can be added for extra flavor and nutrition. For something heartier, try adding cooked black beans or diced ham.
Seafood also makes a great addition to grits. Shrimp or crabmeat can be added to create a flavorful seafood-based dish. If you are looking for something even more filling, try mixing in chunks of cooked salmon or tuna.
For those who want to add some sweetness to their grits, try topping them with honey or cinnamon sugar. These sweet toppings will balance out the savory flavors of the dish and make it even more enjoyable to eat!
Grits is an incredibly versatile dish that can take on many different flavors depending on what toppings you choose to add. From savory meats like bacon and cheese to sweet toppings like honey or cinnamon sugar, there are plenty of delicious options for transforming this classic Southern staple into something entirely new!
Different Types Of Cheese To Enhance Grits
Grits are a Southern staple that is often cooked with butter and salt. However, the addition of cheese can transform grits into a delicious and comforting meal. There is a wide variety of cheeses that can be used to enhance the flavor of grits, so it’s important to choose the right cheese for the right dish.
Sharp cheddar is one of the most popular and widely used cheeses for cooking with grits. It has a strong and distinct flavor that is sure to bring out the best in any dish. Cheddar also melts nicely, making it perfect for use in creamy dishes such as cheese grits casserole.
Parmesan cheese is another great option for adding flavor to your grits. Parmesan has a strong and salty flavor that pairs well with the creamy texture of grits. This type of cheese adds an extra level of richness and depth to any dish, making it ideal for creating flavorful dishes with grits.
Smoked Gouda is another excellent choice for cooking with grits. Its smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the earthy taste of grits, and its creamy texture adds depth and richness to any dish. Smoked Gouda also melts nicely when heated, so it’s perfect for use in cheesy recipes such as cheesy shrimp and grits or smoked Gouda macaroni and cheese.
Finally, goat cheese is an excellent choice for adding flavor to your grits dishes. Its tangy flavor pairs well with the earthy taste of grits, while its creamy texture adds an extra level of richness and complexity to any dish. Goat cheese also melts nicely when heated, making it perfect for use in creamy recipes such as goat cheese risotto or cheesy polenta cakes topped with goat cheese crumbles.
No matter what type of cheese you choose to use in your cooking with grits, you can be sure that it will add an extra layer of flavor and richness to your dishes. With the wide variety of cheeses available, you’re sure to find one that will pair perfectly with your favorite type of grits dish!
Bacon Recipes To Enjoy With Grits
Grits are a Southern staple, and they pair deliciously with bacon. There are many delicious bacon recipes to enjoy with grits, ranging from savory to sweet.
A classic way to enjoy bacon and grits is to fry the bacon in a skillet until crisp, then add cooked grits and seasonings of your choice. The smokiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy grits for a hearty breakfast or brunch dish. You can also add diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
For a unique take on bacon and grits, try baking them in an oven-safe skillet. Layer cooked grits in the bottom of the skillet, then top with crumbled bacon and shredded cheese. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling, then serve warm as an appetizer or side dish.
Another delicious way to enjoy bacon and grits is to use smoked Gouda cheese in place of cheddar cheese. Simply cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp, then stir in cooked grits and shredded smoked Gouda cheese. The smoky flavor of the Gouda adds another dimension to this classic combination.
For a sweet twist on this Southern favorite, try making candied bacon-grits bars. Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet until crisp, then crumble it into small pieces. In a separate bowl, mix together cooked grits with butter, eggs, sugar and vanilla extract until combined. Spread the mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper, then sprinkle the crumbled bacon over top. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top, then cut into bars and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a unique dessert option.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, there’s no denying that combining crispy bacon with creamy grits makes for one delicious meal!
Breakfast Meats To Enjoy With Grits
Grits are a classic Southern side dish that pairs wonderfully with all sorts of breakfast meats. Bacon, sausage, ham and even scrapple can be served with grits for a savory, hearty breakfast. Bacon and sausage are the two most popular breakfast meats, easily found in any grocery store. Bacon can be cooked in a skillet on the stovetop or in the oven for easy cleanup. Sausage is available in both links and patties and often comes flavored with sage or other spices. Ham is another great option when serving grits for breakfast. It can be served diced, sliced or cubed and is often cured with brown sugar and spices to give it a sweet flavor. Scrapple is also a regional favorite that pairs perfectly with grits. This mix of cornmeal and pork scraps is typically pan-fried until golden brown to create a savory breakfast treat.
No matter what type of meat you choose to serve with your grits, the combination makes for an unforgettable breakfast experience. Whether you’re serving bacon and eggs or ham steak with cheese grits, this savory combination will have everyone coming back for more!
Different Fruit Combinations For Grits
Grits are a classic Southern side dish that can be prepared in many different ways. One of the most delightful ways to enjoy them is with fresh fruits. There are a variety of different fruits that can be combined with grits for a sweet and savory dish. Some of the more popular combinations include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, apples, and pears.
Strawberries and blueberries are a classic combination when it comes to grits. The sweetness of the berries complements the savory flavor of the grits perfectly. This combination can also be topped with whipped cream or crumbled graham crackers for an extra touch of sweetness.
Raspberries and blackberries are another delicious option when it comes to pairing fruit with grits. The tartness of these berries goes well with the rich flavor of the grits and can be topped with a dollop of yogurt or honey for an extra layer of flavor.
Peaches and apples are also great choices when it comes to adding fruit to grits. The sweetness of these fruits contrasts nicely with the savory flavor of the grits and can be topped off with a sprinkle of cinnamon or sugar for an added touch of sweetness.
Pears are another excellent choice for pairing with grits. The mild sweetness and crunchy texture make them an ideal fruit to pair with this Southern staple dish. Pears also pair nicely with other fruits such as apples or peaches to create a unique combination that is sure to please any palate.
No matter which type of fruit you choose to pair your grits with, you’re sure to have a delicious and unique side dish that everyone will enjoy! From classic combinations like strawberries and blueberries to more creative choices such as pears and apples, there are plenty of options available when it comes to creating the perfect fruit-filled side dish for your next meal.
Vegetable Side Dishes That Go Well With Grits
Grits are a popular breakfast dish in the Southern United States, and they make a great side dish to any meal. They can be served plain or with butter, cheese, or other ingredients. To make your grits even more flavorful and nutritious, try adding some vegetable side dishes to the mix. From roasted veggies to sautéed greens, there are plenty of delicious vegetable side dishes that go well with grits.
Roasted vegetables are a great way to add flavor and texture to your grits while also providing an extra dose of nutrition. Try roasting carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, Brussels sprouts, or mushrooms until they’re tender and lightly browned. The vegetables will add both sweetness and earthiness to the grits.
Sautéed greens such as kale, spinach, collard greens, or Swiss chard make for another tasty addition to grits. The cooked greens will add color and texture as well as a boost of vitamins. For an extra flavor punch, try sautéing them in garlic and olive oil before adding them to your grits dish.
If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, try adding some roasted root vegetables such as potatoes or turnips to your grits dish. Roast the vegetables until they’re crispy on the outside but still tender in the middle for maximum flavor and texture. You can also add cooked beans such as black beans or chickpeas for an added dose of protein and fiber.
Finally, don’t forget about tomatoes! Whether you opt for cherry tomatoes that have been roasted with garlic and herbs or diced tomatoes that have been sautéed in olive oil until they’re soft and juicy, tomatoes are sure to brighten up any bowl of grits.
With some simple additions like these delicious vegetable side dishes, you can turn your bowl of plain grits into an incredibly flavorful meal that is sure to satisfy any appetite!
Conclusion
When it comes to serving grits for breakfast, there are many options. Grits can be served with eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese, vegetables, and even fruit. Additionally, adding seasonings and herbs can make grits even more flavorful. Grits can also be served as a side dish or as the main course. There are so many possibilities when it comes to serving grits for breakfast that everyone is sure to find something they love. No matter what you choose to serve with your grits, it is sure to be a delicious and satisfying meal.
Grits are an excellent way to start the day and can provide a hearty and nutritious meal that will keep you full until lunchtime. So next time you’re looking for something new and delicious for breakfast, consider serving up some tasty grits!