When it comes to hearty and satisfying comfort food, few things beat a plate of golden and crispy fried grits. This Southern classic takes creamy grits, chills them until firm, slices them into squares, and then fries them to perfection. It’s the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy, making it a delightful side dish or even a flavorful main course. This recipe for fried grits will guide you through the steps to create this ultimate comfort food that will have your taste buds dancing. So, get ready to dive into a delicious plate of crispy-coated goodness!
Fried Grits
Ingredients:
– 1 cup grits
– 4 cups water
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup flour
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add salt and slowly whisk in the grits.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring often until the grits are thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and green onions until well combined.
4. Pour the grits mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Refrigerate the grits for at least 2 hours or until completely set and firm.
6. Once the grits are firm, carefully cut them into squares or desired shapes.
7. In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs.
8. Dredge each grit square first in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. Repeat with all the squares.
9. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the coated grit squares in batches until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
10. Remove the fried grits with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Season with salt and pepper while still hot.
11. Serve the fried grits hot, garnished with extra green onions or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Enjoy this delightful twist on traditional grits that will surely become a favorite at your table. The crispy exterior gives way to a creamy and flavorful interior that will leave you wanting more. These fried grits make for a wonderful addition to any brunch spread or as a tasty side dish alongside your favorite main course. We hope this recipe brings warmth and comfort to your home, one bite at a time.
