Grits are a cornerstone of Southern cuisine. Whether served as a simple breakfast or turned into a rich, savory dinner, grits hold a special place in Southern culture. But the real question many have is, what do Southern people put on their grits?
The toppings for grits vary greatly, influenced by personal tastes, regional traditions, and family recipes. From classic butter and salt to savory shrimp and sausage, Southern people have perfected ways to enjoy this versatile dish. This article explores the diverse toppings that make grits a beloved food across the South, whether you prefer savory or sweet options.
1. What Exactly Are Grits?
Before discussing what do Southern people put on their grits, it’s helpful to know what grits are. Grits consist of ground corn, typically hominy. Hominy is corn treated with an alkali to remove its hull. To prepare grits, boil and cook them until they achieve a creamy, porridge-like consistency.
Types of Grits
There are several types of grits that you can find in Southern kitchens:
- Stone-ground grits: These are less processed and retain more of the corn’s natural flavor and texture.
- Quick grits: These grits cook faster, are more processed, and have a finer texture.
- Instant grits: The most processed variety, designed for convenience but often lacking the depth of flavor found in stone-ground grits.
Once cooked, grits offer a neutral base. You can enhance them with various toppings and seasonings.
2. The Classic Toppings: Southern Simplicity at Its Best
When people think of what do Southern people put on their grits, classic ingredients like butter, salt, and cheese come to mind. People have enjoyed these classic toppings for generations.
1. Butter: The Quintessential Grits Topping
Butter stands out as one of the most common toppings for grits. When you stir it into hot grits, the butter melts, creating a smooth, creamy texture that elevates the dish. This simple addition enhances the natural flavor of the corn, making each bite richer and more satisfying. With its comforting taste, butter transforms grits into a delightful experience that complements both savory and sweet variations.
- How it’s used: Melted into the grits after cooking or placed on top just before serving.
- Why it’s popular: Butter adds richness and creaminess without overshadowing the flavor of the grits.
2. Cheese: Adding a Savory Twist
Cheese grits hold a special place in Southern cuisine, featuring melted shredded cheese that transforms the grits into a rich, savory dish. While cheddar remains the most popular choice, other varieties like parmesan, Monterey Jack, and gouda also find their way into this comforting staple. Each type of cheese adds its unique flavor profile, enhancing the creamy texture of the grits. Cheese grits serve as a versatile side dish that complements a variety of meals, making them a beloved choice at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Common choices: Sharp cheddar, gouda, and Monterey Jack.
- Why it’s loved: Cheese brings a smooth, savory flavor that transforms plain grits into a hearty, flavorful meal.
3. Salt and Pepper: Simple Seasoning
Salt and pepper play a crucial role in enhancing the natural flavor of grits. Many Southern cooks add salt during the cooking process, ensuring that the grits absorb the seasoning. After serving, they sprinkle freshly ground pepper on top for an extra kick of flavor. This simple combination elevates grits from a basic dish to a flavorful accompaniment that complements various meals, showcasing the importance of seasoning in Southern cooking.
- How it’s used: Salt is usually added while the grits are cooking, and pepper is added after serving.
- Why it’s favored: These seasonings highlight the taste of the grits without overpowering them.
3. Savory Grits Toppings: From Breakfast to Dinner
While butter and cheese serve as popular toppings, some Southern folks elevate their grits with heartier ingredients. These savory additions can transform grits into a satisfying meal suitable for any time of day. Ingredients like shrimp, sausage, and bacon add rich flavors and textures, making grits a versatile dish that can stand alone or accompany a variety of sides. This creative approach reflects the culinary diversity of the South, showcasing how simple grits can become a hearty and delicious centerpiece on the table.
1. Shrimp and Grits: A Southern Tradition
Shrimp and grits stand out as one of the most iconic Southern dishes. Popular in coastal areas like South Carolina and Georgia, this dish combines creamy, buttery grits with tender, seasoned shrimp. Cooks often prepare the shrimp with bacon or sausage, adding extra richness to the meal. This delightful combination showcases the region’s culinary heritage, blending fresh seafood with comforting flavors. Shrimp and grits can serve as a hearty breakfast or a satisfying dinner, making it a beloved choice for many Southerners.
- How it’s made: Shrimp are sautéed with garlic, butter, and spices, then served over grits. Bacon or sausage can also be added to the dish.
- Why it’s iconic: The rich, savory flavor of the shrimp pairs perfectly with the creamy grits, creating a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and indulgent.
2. Bacon: A Crispy and Savory Addition
Bacon ranks as another popular topping for grits. Its crispy, salty texture enhances the smoothness of the grits, adding a delightful crunch. Many people crumble cooked bacon into their grits, infusing them with savory flavor. Others prefer to cook the bacon in the pan first, using the rendered fat to sauté shrimp or other toppings. This method not only intensifies the dish’s overall flavor but also creates a rich, satisfying meal that embodies the heartiness of Southern cooking.
- How it’s used: Crumbled bacon is sprinkled on top, or the bacon fat is used to cook other ingredients.
- Why it’s loved: The crispy, salty flavor of bacon provides a delicious contrast to the creamy, mild taste of the grits.
3. Sausage and Gravy: A Breakfast Favorite
Cooks often pair sausage, particularly breakfast sausage or spicy andouille, with grits. Some Southern folks love to add a ladle of creamy sausage gravy to their grits, enhancing the dish’s richness. This savory combination frequently appears in breakfast menus, but its heartiness makes it perfect for any time of day. Whether enjoyed in the morning or at dinner, sausage and grits create a satisfying meal that highlights the flavors of Southern cuisine.
- How it’s served: Sausage is cooked and crumbled into the grits, or a sausage gravy is poured over the top.
- Why it’s favored: Sausage adds a smoky, spicy depth to the dish, while gravy brings an extra layer of richness.
4. Eggs: A Versatile Breakfast Addition
Eggs serve as another staple topping for grits, particularly at breakfast. Whether scrambled, fried, or poached, eggs introduce a creamy, rich texture that enhances the dish. This addition transforms grits into a complete meal, making it filling and satisfying. The combination of grits and eggs exemplifies the comforting nature of Southern cuisine, providing a delicious start to the day. Many enjoy this pairing for its versatility, as it can easily adapt to various flavor profiles and personal preferences.
- How it’s used: Eggs can be served on top of the grits, or scrambled into the dish.
- Why it’s popular: Eggs provide a soft, savory addition to grits, making the dish more filling and nutritious.
5. Hot Sauce: Adding Heat and Flavor
For those who love spicy food, hot sauce is an essential topping for grits. Many people favor Louisiana-style hot sauce due to its tangy vinegar and spicy kick. However, other hot sauce varieties can also bring additional heat and flavor to the dish. This fiery addition enhances the grits’ natural flavor, creating a delightful contrast that elevates the meal. Whether you drizzle it over the top or mix it in, hot sauce transforms grits into a bold and exciting dish that satisfies spice enthusiasts.
- How it’s used: A few drops of hot sauce are drizzled over the grits just before serving.
- Why it’s loved: Hot sauce adds heat and tang, cutting through the richness of the grits and providing a bold, spicy flavor.
4. Sweet Grits Toppings: A Different Side of Grits
While most people enjoy savory grits, some Southern folks prefer their grits sweet. They often eat sweet grits for breakfast, adding sugar, fruit, or honey for a touch of natural sweetness.
1. Sugar and Butter: A Sweet Breakfast Classic
Some people enjoy their grits with butter and sugar, especially for breakfast. This combination creates a rich, sweet dish that’s perfect for those who prefer something sweet to start their day.
- How it’s used: Butter is stirred into the grits, and sugar is added to taste.
- Why it’s loved: The sweetness of the sugar complements the richness of the butter, creating a balanced flavor profile.
2. Honey and Maple Syrup: Natural Sweeteners
For those looking for a more natural way to sweeten their grits, honey or maple syrup is a popular option. These natural sweeteners provide a rich, earthy flavor that complements the creamy texture of the grits.
- How it’s used: Honey or syrup is drizzled over hot grits just before serving.
- Why it’s loved: These natural sweeteners add depth and complexity to the flavor without overpowering the dish.
3. Fresh Fruit: A Healthy and Refreshing Option
Fresh fruit, such as berries, peaches, or bananas, can add a burst of flavor and nutrition to sweet grits. This topping is a lighter option that’s perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.
- How it’s used: Fresh fruit is sliced and placed on top of hot grits, often with a drizzle of honey.
- Why it’s refreshing: Fruit adds natural sweetness and brightness, making it a healthy, refreshing topping for grits.
4. Cinnamon and Brown Sugar: A Comforting Treat
Cinnamon and brown sugar are also popular choices for sweetening grits. These warm, comforting flavors turn the dish into a cozy breakfast or dessert.
- How it’s used: Brown sugar and cinnamon are sprinkled over the top of the grits, often with a little butter or cream.
- Why it’s loved: This combination offers a warm, comforting flavor that makes grits feel like a dessert.
5. Regional Grits Variations Across the South
Although grits remain a staple throughout the Southern United States, toppings and preparation methods vary by region. Here’s a look at some regional favorites when it comes to what do Southern people put on their grits.
1. Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits
In South Carolina and Georgia, shrimp and grits reign supreme. Cooks prepare fresh shrimp with garlic, butter, and bacon, then serve it over creamy grits. Although this dish originates in coastal areas, it has gained popularity throughout the South.
- Why it’s special: Lowcountry shrimp and grits showcase the fresh seafood of the region and pair it with rich, comforting flavors.
2. Appalachian Cheese Grits
In the Appalachian Mountains, people enjoy cheese grits as a popular dish. Cooks melt locally made cheddar cheese into the grits, creating a creamy, savory dish often served as a side or main course.
- Why it’s distinct: Appalachian grits focus on simplicity, with an emphasis on local ingredients like mountain-grown cheeses.
3. Cajun Grits
In Louisiana, cooks often spice up grits with Cajun flavors. They use andouille sausage, crawfish, and bold seasonings like paprika and cayenne pepper to transform simple grits into a spicy, flavorful meal.
- Why it’s unique: Cajun grits are bold, spicy, and full of flavor, showcasing the influence of Creole and Cajun cooking on Southern cuisine.
6. Tips for Cooking the Perfect Grits
If you want to make the perfect bowl of grits, here are a few tips to help you achieve a delicious, creamy texture.
1. Choose Stone-Ground Grits for the Best Flavor
Stone-ground grits take longer to cook but offer a more robust flavor and texture. The extra time and effort are well worth it if you want a truly authentic taste.
2. Use Milk or Cream for Extra Creaminess
For creamy grits, cook them with milk or a combination of milk and water. You can also stir in cream toward the end of cooking for a rich, silky texture.
3. Season Grits During Cooking
For more flavorful grits, add salt to the water or milk while the grits are cooking. This helps the grits absorb the seasoning more fully.
7. Conclusion: What Do Southern People Put on Their Grits?
So, what do Southern people put on their grits? The answer is as diverse as the South itself. Grits offer versatility, ranging from simple butter and cheese to hearty additions like shrimp, sausage, and bacon. You can enjoy them savory with eggs and hot sauce or sweet with fruit and honey. Grits remain a beloved Southern comfort food that showcases the region’s creativity and traditions.