Southern Comfort in a Bowl: Quick & Easy Grits Recipe!

This website may include affiliate links and advertisements, allowing us to share delicious recipes with you. Please review my disclosure policy for more information. Southern-style grits are an ideal choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Their creamy texture and rich flavor make them a delightful addition to any meal, and they’re so simple that anyone in your family can whip them up!

I’m a huge fan of a hearty breakfast because it’s often considered the most important meal of the day! If you’re looking for more tasty options, be sure to check out my breakfast casserole recipe, fluffy biscuits with gravy, or scrumptious German pancakes!

What Are Grits?

Grits are a beloved dish originating from the southern United States. Similar to polenta, they are made from dried stone-ground corn and have a porridge-like consistency. When cooked with warm liquid, grits expand and release their starches, resulting in an irresistibly creamy texture! While they can be enjoyed at any time of day, I particularly love having them for breakfast.

There are countless recipes for grits available; however, this one is straightforward and quick enough that everyone in your household can prepare it easily. In under 10 minutes you’ll be savoring this comforting dish! Pair these grits with bacon and cheese or serve alongside sausage or eggs— they also make an excellent side dish for dinner options like shrimp!

Ingredients Needed for Grits

This quick recipe requires just five ingredients! Once you have your grits ready to go, I bet you’ll find everything else already stocked in your kitchen. For precise measurements check out the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Water: The base liquid used to cook the grits.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
  • Grits: Available in the breakfast section of most grocery stores.
  • Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter when preparing my grits.
  • Salt & Pepper: To season according to taste.

How to Prepare Quick Breakfast Grits

These delightful grits take only about 10 minutes from start to finish—making them an effortless addition to any meal!

  1. Boil Water: In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring water and salt to a boil. Stir in the grits.
  2. Simmer & Cover: Reduce heat to low; cover pot with lid and let simmer for 5–6 minutes while stirring occasionally.
  3. Add Butter: Incorporate butter into mixture until fully melted.
  4. Season & Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired before serving warm.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover grits (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container within your refrigerator where they’ll keep fresh for about 3–4 days. Simply reheat on the stove or microwave when you’re ready!


Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories: 319 kcal
Carbohydrates: 47 g
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: <1 g
Cholesterol: 31 mg
Sodium: 691 mg
Potassium: 84 mg
Fiber: <1 g
Sugar:<1g
Vitamin A:480 IU
Calcium:<16mg
Iron:<1mg

Note: Nutritional values are automatically calculated estimates meant as guidelines only.


About Alyssa Rivers Alyssa Rivers is not only the author of ‘The Tried-and-True Cookbook’ but also a professional food photographer and seasoned recipe developer whose passion lies in cooking delicious meals that resonate with home cooks everywhere—her work has been featured on platforms such as Good Morning America , Today Food , Buzzfeed , among others .


More Recipe Ideas Try our Breakfast Pancake Casserole which takes approximately eight hours fifty-five minutes total preparation time!