If you love the creamy, comforting texture of traditional grits but are looking for a lighter, low-carb twist, this Cauliflower Grits Recipe is going to be your new favorite. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you transform humble cauliflower into a luscious, savory dish that’s smooth, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned. It’s a fantastic Southern-inspired side that brings all the warmth and soul without the carbs, making it ideal for anyone craving that rich, buttery grits experience with a modern, healthful spin.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cauliflower Grits Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing creaminess, flavor, and that perfect hint of savory goodness, ensuring your grits come out silky and satisfying every single time.
- Cauliflower (1 medium head, cut into florets): This is the star of the show, providing the creamy base while keeping things light and nutritious.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and smoothness, helping mimic the luscious texture of traditional grits.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Elevates the creaminess and gives a silky mouthfeel.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Brings savory depth and a subtle nutty taste to brighten the dish.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A flavorful punch that complements the mild cauliflower beautifully.
- Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Layers in a mellow sweetness and aromatic complexity.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors and make the dish pop.
How to Make Cauliflower Grits Recipe
Step 1: Steam the Cauliflower
Start by steaming your cauliflower florets until they are very tender. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Steaming softens the cauliflower perfectly, making it easier to blend into a creamy texture without adding any extra moisture.
Step 2: Blend Ingredients Together
Once the cauliflower is steamed and well-drained, transfer it to a food processor. Add the unsalted butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend everything smoothly, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. This step is where the cauliflower transforms into those luscious “grits” that will win your heart.
Step 3: Adjust Seasonings
Give your cauliflower grits a taste and make any seasoning adjustments you desire. A little extra salt or pepper might be needed depending on your taste, so don’t be shy about perfecting the flavor here!
Step 4: Serve Hot
Serve your cauliflower grits warm, just like you would traditional grits. The buttery, cheesy creaminess is tantalizing on its own or as a base for all sorts of savory toppings.
How to Serve Cauliflower Grits Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate this dish with fresh garnishes like chopped chives or parsley for a burst of color and mild oniony flavor. A sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or toasted nuts adds exciting texture contrasts that pair beautifully with the creamy grits.
Side Dishes
This cauliflower grits recipe pairs wonderfully with Southern favorites such as shrimp, fried chicken, or a hearty sausage gravy. It also works beautifully alongside roasted vegetables or sautéed greens for a balanced, wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using these grits as a comforting bed for poached eggs or a rich mushroom ragout. You can even dollop them onto a breakfast plate or layer them in a casserole to add a luxurious, creamy layer packed with flavor and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may deepen as it rests, making it even more delicious when reheated.
Freezing
This Cauliflower Grits Recipe freezes well. Portion the grits into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the grits on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to recapture that silky, creamy consistency. Microwave reheating also works well when covered, with occasional stirring.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use non-dairy milk instead of heavy cream, and replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Is this a good low-carb alternative to traditional grits?
Yes! Cauliflower grits are a fantastic low-carb, keto-friendly substitute that captures the creamy texture and flavor profile of traditional grits without the grains.
Can I mash the cauliflower by hand instead of using a food processor?
Definitely! Mashing by hand will give you a chunkier texture that some people really enjoy as it feels more rustic and hearty.
How do I know when the cauliflower is steamed enough?
It should be very tender and easy to pierce with a fork but not mushy. This ensures the grits blend smoothly without excess water.
Can I add other spices or herbs to this recipe?
For sure! Feel free to experiment with smoked paprika, cayenne, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Cauliflower Grits Recipe is truly a game-changer if you love comfort food but want something a little lighter and healthier. It’s so simple to make yet packed full of flavor and creamy goodness. I genuinely hope you give it a try—you might find it becomes a staple in your kitchen just as it did in mine!
Print
Cauliflower Grits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and creamy low-carb alternative to traditional grits, made from steamed cauliflower blended with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting side dish is flavored with garlic and onion powder, perfect for a Southern American meal.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Grits
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Steam the Cauliflower: Steam the cauliflower florets until very tender, about 10–12 minutes. This softens the cauliflower to make blending easier and creates a smooth texture for the grits.
- Drain and Transfer: Drain the steamed cauliflower thoroughly and transfer it to a food processor to prepare for blending.
- Add Ingredients: Add the butter, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the food processor along with the cauliflower.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the cauliflower grits and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve Hot: Serve the cauliflower grits immediately as a warm, satisfying side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
- You can mash the cauliflower by hand for a chunkier, more rustic texture instead of blending until smooth.
