Hey there, friends! Get ready to spice up your next barbecue with my Jalapeño Cheddar Grits recipe. Imagine sizzling grills, laughter echoing in the backyard, and the irresistible aroma of smoky barbecue wafting through the air. These grits are the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and a kick of spice that’ll leave your taste buds dancing. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to side dish!

Pulled Pork, Cheesy Grits, and Collard Greens: a Southern Feast Inspired by Saw’s Soul Kitchen

Why You’ll Love Jalapeño Cheddar Grits

Grits are a true Southern classic, made from ground hominy corn. They’re super versatile, so you can enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re serving them with eggs and bacon or pairing them with your favorite barbecued meats, grits are a comforting and delicious addition to any meal. The creamy texture, combined with the zesty jalapeños and gooey melted cheese, makes every bite a delightful experience.

How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Grits

Let’s dive into the kitchen! Making Jalapeño Cheddar Grits is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to grits perfection.

Sauté the Flavors: Start by melting some butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add in diced jalapeños and minced garlic. Cook them until they’re nice and soft, then remove them from the pan and set aside. This step is key for getting that delicious jalapeño flavor infused into the dish!
Boil the Liquid: In the same saucepan, combine milk and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low. This creamy base will make your grits super rich and delicious.
Add the Grits: Slowly stir in the uncooked yellow grits and a pinch of salt. Cover and let them cook until the liquid is absorbed. The magic happens here as the grits absorb all that flavorful goodness!
Cheesy Goodness: Once the grits are nice and thick, it’s time to stir in shredded cheddar cheese along with those sautéed jalapeños and garlic. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is combined into a creamy dream.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these jalapeño cheddar grits immediately for the best texture. They’re fantastic on their own, but they really shine when paired with your favorite barbecue dishes.

Boil Milk and Water to Make Grits — Step 2

Covering Grits for Cheddar Grits — Step 2

What to Serve with Jalapeño Cheddar Grits

Now, let’s talk about what to serve alongside these creamy grits. My favorite pairing? Pulled Pork and Collard Greens! Picture it: cheesy jalapeño grits topped with juicy, slow-smoked pulled pork, served with sautéed collard greens and crispy onion straws. It’s a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress your guests!

For the pulled pork, check out my guide to smoking pork butts—it’s packed with tips and tricks to get that tender, fall-apart goodness.

So there you have it! Jalapeño Cheddar Grits are not just a side dish; they’re an experience. Perfect for barbecues, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these grits will make every meal unforgettable. Grab your ingredients, fire up that stove, and let’s get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you!

Try These Other Southern Flavors

Brant’s Nashville Hot Chicken Wings Brant’s perfectly smoked, juicy, flavorful chicken wings with an airfry finish for the right crispy crust on the outside! Here’s how he does it.
Alabama Bliss Grilled Chicken: This recipe harmonizes the succulence of perfectly grilled chicken with the creamy, zesty notes of a sauce born in the heart of the South.
Pulled Pork, Cheesy Grits and Collared Greens — Pulled Pork, Cheesy Grits and Collared Greens with Crispy Onion Straws! This is a taste-alike recipe for the special at Saw’s Soul Kitchen in Birmingham, AL.
Easy Alabama White Sauce Recipe: I fell in love with Alabama White Sauce and now consider it my go to for chicken, pulled pork, french fries and just about anything else that needs a sauce.

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Dish with Cheesy Jalapeño Grits and Pulled Pork

Jalapeño Cheddar Grits

Jalapeno Cheddar Grits, a Southern brunch side or hearty dinner companion, blend comfort with bold flavors. Spicy twist for heat enthusiasts!

5 from 1 vote

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3

Cook Time 10

Total Time 13

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 243 kcal

Equipment

Saucepan
Knife
Cutting Board
Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 jalapeño pepper (seeded and diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups milk
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1 cup uncooked yellow grits
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 jalapeño pepper, minced, and cook until softened. Add 2 cloves garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove jalapeños and garlic to a plate and set aside.
Add 2 cups milk, 2 cups chicken broth and 1 tsp salt to saucepan and turn heat to high until liquid boils. Turn heat down to low and add 1 cup uncooked yellow grits. Cover and cook for 5-8 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and add back the jalapeños and garlic. Stir until cheese has melted.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Feel free to add or substitute with hot sauce to taste, for the jalapeños

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 12gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 956mgPotassium: 182mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 678IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 373mgIron: 0.1mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you want them more savory than yes! Chicken broth will add a ton of flavor.

Choosing between instant grits and regular grits depends on personal preferences and factors such as time, texture, and flavor. Instant grits offer quick preparation and a smoother texture, making them convenient for busy schedules. Regular grits, especially stone-ground varieties, have a heartier texture and may retain more natural nutrients, appealing to those who prefer a chewier consistency and value a potentially less processed option. The decision ultimately hinges on individual taste preferences, the time available for preparation, and the desired dish.

Yes, you can make grits in a rice cooker. It’s a convenient and hands-free method that ensures a consistent and well-cooked result. Here’s a simple guide:

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Rice Cooker: Place the measured grits, water or broth, and a pinch of salt (if desired) into the rice cooker. You can also add butter or oil for extra flavor.
Step 2: Stir: Give the mixture a quick stir to ensure the ingredients are well combined
Step 3: Set the Cooker: Close the rice cooker lid and set it to the appropriate setting for cooking grains or porridge.

If your rice cooker has specific settings for grits, follow those instructions.Cook: Allow the grits to cook according to the rice cooker’s instructions. This typically involves an automatic shut-off when the grits are do

Creamy Jalapeño Cheddar Grits

Why You’ll Love Jalapeño Cheddar Grits

How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Grits