Pizza night is always a favorite, especially when you have great tasting pizza from some of the most popular restaurants.
Creamy Microwave Grits
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This recipe is guaranteed to increase sleep because you won't have to get up early to make breakfast! Mix grits and water and pop into the microwave for three minutes. Serve with butter, cheese or even your favorite fruit for a creamy, morning dish.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
5 reviews
ingredients
2 cups hot water
6 tablespoons grits
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
butter, cheese, bacon, brown sugar, or other toppings as desired
directions
Combine the water, grits, and salt in a deep microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high heat until the grits begin to boil (time will depend on the strength of your microwave and heat of the water you use). Stir well then cook on high for 3-4 more minutes, stopping the microwave every minute to stir.
If the grits are too thick, add a little more hot water.
Stir in your choice of butter, cheese, bacon, brown sugar, syrup, etc. (depending on if you want sweet or savory grits). Serve the creamy grits hot.
recipe tips
To prevent the grits from boiling over in the microwave, use a larger bowl than you think you'll need.
Stir the grits frequently during cooking to prevent lumps from forming.
For savory grits, add grated cheese, chopped cooked bacon, or diced green onions.
For sweet grits, add brown sugar, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Try adding a pat of butter or a splash of cream for extra richness.
If the grits are too thin, continue cooking in 30-second intervals until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve the grits as a side dish with eggs and bacon for a traditional Southern breakfast.
Try topping the grits with sauteed shrimp for a quick and easy shrimp and grits meal.
Always be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it will be hot.
Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or sweeteners as desired.
If using stone-ground grits, check cooking times as they may require longer than instant grits.
To make serving easier, try portioning leftover grits into serving sizes before storing them in the fridge.
common recipe questions
Can I use milk instead of water for creamier grits?
Yes, you can use milk or a combination of milk and water for creamier grits.
What can I use instead of regular grits?
You can use stone-ground grits, but they may require a longer cooking time. Stone-ground grits are less processed and retain more of the corn's flavor and texture, while instant grits are pre-cooked and dehydrated, cooking more quickly but having a less complex taste.
Is there a substitute for salt?
You can omit the salt or use a salt substitute if you're watching your sodium intake.
Can I make these grits without a microwave?
Yes, you can cook them on the stovetop, following the package instructions for water-to-grits ratio and cooking time (but we have other recipes for grits that don't use a microwave.
How should I adjust the recipe for a single serving?
Reduce the ingredients proportionally, using a 3:1 ratio of water to grits and adding everything else to taste. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave, adding a little water or milk if they become dry.
Can these grits be frozen?
Grits freeze very well. Let cool completely then wrap well in individual portion sizes. Thaw before reheating.
Can I use cold water instead of hot water?
Using hot water is recommended as it helps the grits cook more evenly and quickly, resulting in a creamier texture.
What can I use as a substitute for grits?
Polenta is a great substitute as it is made from corn and has a similar texture. Regular cornmeal can also be used, though it will yield a different texture.
How do I know when the grits are done cooking?
Grits are done when they've absorbed most of the water and have a smooth, creamy texture. If they still seem gritty or too thick, you can add more water and continue cooking.
Can I make grits ahead of time?
You can prepare grits ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator, and reheat them later. They may thicken in the fridge, so you might need to add a bit of water when reheating.
tools needed
Microwave-Safe Bowl: for microwaving the grits and water mixture to cook the grits quickly without the need for stove-top cooking.
Spoon: used for stirring the grits, salt, and water mixture to make sure it cooks evenly in the microwave. A long spoon is helpful to prevent any splattering.
what goes with it?
Maple-Glazed Bacon Slices: the sweet and savory combination of crispy bacon drizzled with maple syrup will perfectly complement the creamy texture of the grits.
Fresh Berries: the burst of fruity sweetness from fresh berries will add a pop of color and flavor to your creamy grits.
Coffee and Cream: Pair these creamy microwave grits with a strong cup of coffee for a perfect breakfast duo. The caffeine will wake you up while the grits will fill your belly.
Eggs Over Easy: Serve these creamy grits alongside some runny eggs for a delicious breakfast combination. The creamy texture of the grits will contrast perfectly with the gooey yolks of the eggs.
Sausage Patties: Add some savory sausage patties to your plate of creamy grits for a hearty breakfast.
nutrition data
109 calories, 0 grams fat, 23 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in fat.
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reviews & comments
April 10, 2024
I have made this recipe countless times and it turns out perfect EVERY time!! I have recently discovered an excellent tip for cooking grits that cuts the time in HALF!! Add a pinch, (1/8 teaspoon or more) of Baking Soda to the mix and it really does cook it much faster!! Be sure to use a larger bowl than normal as it will rise up higher as it cooks.
May 15, 2020
Surprisingly this simple recipe was quite good and once I added the cheddar jack cheese it was yummy. Thanks
April 15, 2020
Loved these grits, and itâs true about stirring a lot. I took little tastes to make sure the grits were getting soft (cooked)👍
January 9, 2020
Really good
July 23, 2013
The trick to making grits in the micro is stirring a LOT. Stop it every minute and stir. Then, let it sit in the micro when done for another minute to finish absorbing the liquid.