Recipes

Grits Dressing

2 Mins read
Scroll to recipe

Introduction

Welcome to our culinary journey exploring the delectable “Grits Dressing.” This dish combines the hearty comfort of grits with the rich, savory notes of a well-executed dressing. Its versatility and simplicity make it an irresistible addition to any meal.

Tips for this recipe

  • Use high-quality grits for the best texture in your dish.
  • Chop bacon finely and cook until crispy to ensure even distribution of flavor.
  • Be precise with measurements, as it greatly affects the final taste and consistency.

Why you will love this recipe

The “Grits Dressing” offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors. It’s heartwarming, satisfyingly rich, yet balanced with the sharpness of cheddar cheese. Whether served as a side or an innovative topping for breakfast, this dish is guaranteed to please your palate.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter (for dish)
  • 1 cup coarse stone-ground grits
  • 1 cup chopped bacon
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups coarsely grated cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces), divided
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • Kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste

Adviced equipment

  • Hand Blender (Blendtec – Dough Blade): Essential for achieving a smooth consistency.
  • Non-Stick Skillet: Ideal for sautéing ingredients like onions and bell peppers.
  • Food Processor (Cuisinart 14-Cup Stainless Steel): Useful for quick chopping of vegetables.
  • Glass Measuring Cup Set: Vital for accurate measurement of ingredients.
  • Whisk (OXO Good Grips Silicone): Key tool for mixing dressings to the perfect consistency.
  • Non-Stick Saucepan: Perfect for cooking grits and ensuring even results.
  • Stainless Steel Pot (Anolon – 3 Quart Aluminum Lined Stockpot): Balanced option for preparing grits, offering good heat conduction.
  • Silicone Spatula: Necessary for stirring and blending ingredients effortlessly.
  • Cutting Board (Oxo Good Grips – Bamboo): Essential for preparing any garnishes, such as fresh herbs.
  • High-Speed Blender (Vitamix 750 Series): For achieving a velvety texture in dressings or when incorporating dairy elements.

History of the recipe

While “Grits Dressing” may not have ancient origins, it is deeply rooted in Southern American cuisine. Grits, a staple made from cornmeal since the 18th century, evolved into various forms across generations. This dressing pays homage to those traditions by marrying the heartiness of grits with the richness and bold flavors often found in Southern breakfast dishes.

Fun facts about this recipe

Grits, being a versatile grain, have been used in various regional cuisines beyond the South. However, “Grits Dressing” showcases their unique ability to complement and enhance other ingredients—like bacon and eggs—to create a symphony of flavors that’s uniquely Southern yet universally appealing.

Share
Grits Dressing

Grits Dressing

amanda

Equipment

  • Hand Blender (Blendtec - Dough Blade): Ideal for smoothly blending ingredients to create a creamy texture without lumps, perfect for pureeing vegetables or fruits that might be part of your dressing recipe.

  • Non-Stick Skillet: A 10-inch cast iron skillet with a non-stick coating (Lodge Cast Iron Combo Pack) is excellent for sautéing onions and bell peppers, fundamental steps in many grits dressing recipes.

  • Food Processor (Cuisinart 14-Cup Stainless Steel): Great for quickly chopping vegetables like celery or garlic, ensuring your dressing has a consistent texture without the need for extended prep time.

  • Glass Measuring Cup Set: This includes various sizes (Anthony's Kitchen - 6-Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cups) which are essential for accurately measuring liquid and dry ingredients, a crucial step in recipe execution.

  • Whisk (OXO Good Grips Silicone): Essential for whisking eggs or mixing dressings to the desired consistency without lumps.

  • Non-Stick Saucepan: A saucepan with a non-stick Teflon coating is perfect for making grits in large quantities, ensuring even cooking and easy cleanup.

  • Stainless Steel Pot (Anolon - 3 Quart Aluminum Lined Stockpot): For those who prefer using aluminum pots, this one offers a good balance of heat conduction for perfect grits without sticking.

  • Silicone Spatula: A flexible and non-abrasive tool (KitchenAid - Kitchen Silicone Spatula) that's ideal for stirring ingredients in saucepans or blending dressings with a hand mixer.

  • Cutting Board (Oxo Good Grips - Bamboo): A sturdy cutting board is essential for chopping any garnishes, such as fresh herbs, that could elevate your dressing's flavor profile.

  • High-Speed Blender (Vitamix 750 Series): For an exceptional smooth texture in dressings or if you decide to include dairy components like milk or cream, a high-speed blender can help achieve that velvety consistency effortlessly.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter (for dish)

  • 1 cup coarse stone-ground grits

  • 1 cup (about 10 ounces) chopped bacon

  • 6 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 2 cups coarsely grated cheddar (about 8 ounces), divided

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

  • 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

Instructions

1

Instruction 1

Butter a 2-quart baking dish. Bring 4 cups water to a simmer in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in grits. Reduce heat to low; gently simmer, stirring often, until grits begin to thicken. Continue cooking, stirring often and adding water by 1/4 cupfuls if too thick, until tender and very thick (about 5 cups), about 1 hour. (The amount of water and cooking time will vary depending on the type of grits used.) Remove pan from heat and let cool slightly.
2

Instruction 2

Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.
3

Instruction 3

Preheat oven to 350°. Whisk eggs and cream in a medium bowl; whisk into grits in 3 additions. Stir in 1 3/4 cups cheese, chives, paprika, and bacon. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer grits mixture to prepared dish and smooth top with a spoon. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese over.
4

Instruction 4

Transfer baking dish to a foil-lined baking sheet and cook until puffed, golden, and just set in the middle, about 1 hour. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
You may also like
Recipes

hot-buttered-rum

1 Mins read
Introduction Discover the cozy warmth and delightful flavors of a timeless classic. The Hot Buttered Rum recipe invites you to indulge in…
Recipes

Fish Vermicelli with Fresh Dill and Pineapple Sauce

1 Mins read
Introduction Dive into the delightful world of flavors with “Fish Vermicelli with Fresh Dill and Pineapple Sauce”, a unique culinary experience that…
Recipes

Endive and Chicory Salad with Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette

2 Mins read
Introduction This Endive and Chicory Salad with Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette is a delightful combination of the earthy, slightly bitter flavors of Belgian…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *