Grits are a healthy and hearty breakfast option, but they are also a fantastic side dish for potluck meals, family dinners and more. Some people do not care for them because of a lack of flavor and their granular texture, but they can be enhanced and improved in countless ways. Expensive mixes with artificial flavorings are not required. Save money by purchasing plain grits, and add flavor using the following stir-ins and toppings. They might just become your favorite side dishes or breakfast meal options.
Stir in Cheese Spread, Pimentos and Crisp Crumbled Bacon
Cheesy grits are delicious, but they are even tastier with the addition of crisp hickory smoked bacon and pimentos. Fry or microwave the bacon, and drain it on paper towels. Crumble it into a bowl of plain hot and steaming grits, and stir in a small jar of drained pimentos and a chunk of cheese spread. The creamy melted cheese, crisp bacon and tasty pimentos will add texture, color and flavor.
Add Sour Cream, Butter and Fresh Garden Chives
Sour cream and chives are phenomenal on baked potatoes, especially when combined with genuine butter. They are also fantastic with plain grits. Stir in about a tablespoon of sour cream for every cup of grits, two teaspoons of butter and as many freshly snipped chives as desired. The grits will taste a lot like the inside of a hot steaming baked potato with sour cream, butter and chives, but they will retain their amazing texture.
Stir in Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Honey
Add color, substance and flavor to plain grits with mashed sweet potatoes and honey or maple syrup. Add a half cup of mashed sweet potatoes to every cup of plain cooked grits. Stir in honey or maple syrup according to personal preference. A little freshly ground cinnamon will also add tremendous flavor and mouthwatering aroma. Top each hot and steaming bowl with a tablespoon of soft brown sugar. It will slowly melt and create a sweet and delectable topping.
Combine Hot Grits with Chocolate Chips and Peanut Butter
Chocolate grits are absolutely delicious. Adults and kids love them, and a mix is not required. Real chocolate makes them far richer, sweeter and tastier. Stir a small handful of chocolate chips into a hot bowl of grits. For even more flavor and decadence, stir in a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter. It will taste more like a rich dessert than a side dish or breakfast meal, especially if you top it with a dollop of whipped cream.
Source: Food Preparation Experience and Experimentation