Aug 26 2026
Restaurants›Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Lafayette Restaurant›Cheddar Grits Recipe

Cheddar Grits Recipe

Inspired by Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Lafayette Restaurant
Time40m
Serves4

Make Cheddar Grits Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Grits

Cheese & Finish

Optional Toppings

Method

Grits

  1. 1

    Boil liquid

    In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water and 1 cup whole milk to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Stir once to combine and watch carefully to prevent boil-over.

  2. 2

    Add grits

    Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits to the simmering liquid, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low immediately after adding.

  3. 3

    Simmer

    Cook the grits gently, uncovered or partially covered, over low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring every 2–3 minutes. Stone-ground grits require longer cooking; cook until tender and creamy. If they thicken too much, stir in up to 1/2 cup additional milk or water, a few tablespoons at a time.

  4. 4

    Season and finish base

    When grits are tender, stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until melted and incorporated.

Cheese & Finish

  1. 5

    Temper and add cheeses

    Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 2 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1.5 cups finely grated sharp cheddar cheese, stirring constantly so the cheese melts into the warm grits without becoming stringy. If the mixture seems stiff, return to very low heat for 1–2 minutes while stirring, or add up to 2–4 tablespoons milk to loosen.

  2. 6

    Adjust seasoning

    Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If you like a touch of heat, stir in 1 teaspoon hot sauce. Fold in 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives.

  3. 7

    Keep warm

    Cover and keep warm over the lowest heat, stirring occasionally until ready to serve. If serving later, keep a small pot of extra hot water nearby to thin the grits if they thicken.

Optional Toppings

  1. 8

    Prepare bacon

    If using bacon, cook 4 slices until crispy in a skillet over medium heat or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop before serving.

  2. 9

    Plate and serve

    Spoon warm cheddar grits into shallow bowls. Top with a pat of extra butter if desired, sprinkle chopped crispy bacon and sliced green onions, and an extra pinch of chives. Serve immediately.

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