If you’re craving a dish that combines creamy comfort with a zesty southern kick, you have to try this Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits Recipe. It’s a flavorful, hearty classic that delivers melt-in-your-mouth grits loaded with fresh tomatoes, smoky bacon, and a blend of cheddar and goat cheese. Whether you’re looking for a luscious breakfast, a vibrant side, or a unique centerpiece, these grits bring warmth and spice to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits Recipe relies on simple, quality ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor. From the smoky bacon drippings to the fresh tomatoes and tangy cheeses, every component adds something special.
- Bacon (4 slices): Provides smoky flavor and crispy texture to contrast the creamy grits.
- Chicken broth (3-2/3 cups): Infuses the grits with rich, savory depth far better than water.
- Kosher salt (1/2 tsp): Balances and enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Quick-cooking grits (1 cup uncooked): Forms the soft, creamy base that carries all those delicious add-ins.
- Tomatoes, peeled and chopped (2 large): Add juicy freshness and a subtle tang that brightens the dish.
- Green chiles, chopped (4 oz can): Bring a gentle heat and earthiness that gives the grits their signature spicy note.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Offers a sharp, melty richness that melds perfectly with the grits.
- Goat cheese (4 oz): Adds a creamy tang and depth to balance the cheddar’s sharpness.
How to Make Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking your bacon in a large heavy saucepan or cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. This slow render extracts the bacon’s flavorful fat without burning it. Once crisp, remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels. Leave about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the pan; this will be the savory foundation for your grits.
Step 2: Prepare the Grits Base
Pour in the chicken broth and add the kosher salt to the pan with the bacon drippings. Bring it to a rolling boil. Stir in the grits along with the chopped tomatoes and green chiles. Keep the mixture boiling and stir constantly to keep lumps from forming and to evenly distribute those fresh, spicy flavors.
Step 3: Simmer to Creamy Perfection
Once your grits have returned to a boil, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking. This slow simmer allows the grits to soften fully while blending all the tastes into a creamy, cohesive dish.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
When the grits are tender and thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar and the goat cheese. Keep stirring until both cheeses are completely melted and incorporated, giving the grits a luscious, velvety creaminess with a rich, tangy bite.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Top the grits with the crispy bacon you set aside earlier for contrast in texture and extra smoky flavor. You can also sprinkle some parsley for a fresh pop of color and mild herbal note. Serve these warm for the ultimate comfort experience.
How to Serve Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add brightness and a fresh contrast to the creamy and spicy grits. You might also consider a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few sliced jalapeños on top if you want to dial up the heat and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic southern staples such as fried green tomatoes, skillet-cooked greens, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve the grits alongside grilled shrimp or blackened chicken to complement the spicy tomato and cheese flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning these grits into individual ramekins topped with a crispy bacon strip for an elegant presentation. You can also use them as a base for a breakfast bowl, adding a fried egg on top along with avocado slices for a stunning and delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The creamy textures slightly firm up, but stirring in a little milk or broth before reheating helps restore them to perfect creaminess.
Freezing
While freezing grits is possible, the texture can change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, portion the grits into freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the grits gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk as needed to loosen their creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to rediscover that silky consistency that makes this Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits Recipe so addictive.
FAQs
Can I use stone-ground grits instead of quick-cooking?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind stone-ground grits take longer to cook, often 45 minutes or more, so adjust your cooking time accordingly for the best texture.
How spicy are these grits?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the green chiles. If you want more spice, you can add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce when serving. For milder flavors, omit or reduce the chiles.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Cheddar and goat cheese provide a wonderful flavor balance, but feel free to use other melty cheeses like pepper jack or cream cheese for a different twist.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, grits are naturally gluten-free, and this recipe includes no gluten-containing ingredients. Just double-check your chicken broth to be certain.
What’s the best way to peel tomatoes for this recipe?
The easiest method is to score a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato, blanch them briefly in boiling water, then transfer to an ice bath. The skin will peel off effortlessly, ensuring smooth texture in your grits.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits Recipe is a true celebration of southern flavors and creamy comfort. It’s easy to make, packed with personality, and perfect for sharing with the people you love. Give it a try and prepare to have a new favorite dish that’s equally at home on a cozy breakfast table or a vibrant dinner plate.
Print
Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Southern Spicy Tomato-Cheese Grits recipe features creamy, cheesy grits combined with zesty tomatoes, green chiles, and crispy bacon. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that makes a perfect side or a deliciously hearty breakfast option with a spicy Southern twist.
Ingredients
Meat
- 4 slices bacon
Main Ingredients
- 3–2/3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits
- 2 large tomatoes, cored, peeled and chopped
- 4 oz can green chiles, chopped
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz goat cheese
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Cook the bacon in a large heavy saucepan or cast iron skillet over medium-low heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 to 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan.
- Simmer the broth: Add the chicken broth and kosher salt to the pan with the bacon drippings and bring to a boil.
- Add grits and vegetables: Stir in the quick-cooking grits, chopped tomatoes, and chopped green chiles. Return the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Cook the grits: Reduce heat to low and continue cooking the grits for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently to keep the mixture creamy and prevent sticking or lumps.
- Add cheeses: Once the grits are tender, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and goat cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Serve: Top the creamy grits with the crispy bacon pieces, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Peeling tomatoes is best done by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds to loosen the skin.
- Quick-cooking grits are used here, but you can substitute regular grits; just increase cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust the amount of green chiles to control the spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Stirring frequently is crucial to avoid the grits sticking and forming lumps.
