19 Grits Recipes That Will Transport You To The South

Polenta who?

Jenny Chang / BuzzFeed

Grits: a dish of coarsely ground corn kernels boiled with water or milk.

Particularly worshipped in states below the Mason-Dixon Line.

1. Traditional Grits

A Dash Of Soul / Via adashofsoul.com

It's true, grits can be bland on their own. But top with cheese, syrup, or sugar, and watch your worries melt away.

2. Pimento Cheese Grits

Lauren / Via adashofsoul.com

When asking a question in the South, cheese is usually the answer.

3. Easy Cheesy Smoked Gouda Grits

Matt Duckor / Via bonappetit.com

Again with the cheese! Are you understanding the Southern food scene yet?

4. Shrimp and Grits for One

Cassie Johnston / Via backtoherroots.com

You don't even have to share!

5. Garlic Quinoa Grits

Lauren / Via adashofsoul.com

Quinoa bumps up the nutrition factor in this updated version of the staple.

6. Shrimp with Fresh Corn Grits

Christina Holmes / Via bonappetit.com

Fresh, grated corn helps thicken and add rich flavor.

7. Slow Cooker Grits

Robyn / Via addapinch.com

Take a break from the hustle to match this delicious Southern dish's pace.

8. Crawfish and Grits

Creole Contessa / Via creolecontessa.com

Crawfish are the baby cousin of the beloved lobster. This dish might leave you with a new preference between them.

9. Creamy Cheddar Herb Grits

Lauren / Via adashofsoul.com

Play around with different herbs to totally change the flavor of the dish.

10. Millet Grits With Goat Cheese and Chives

Heather Sage / Via asageamalgam.com

This totally counts as the green on your plate.

11. Smothered Grits With Jalapeno Sausage and Bacon

Creole Contessa / Via creolecontessa.com

The South: where really good food is smothered with more really good food.

12. Breakfast Souffle of Grits, Cheese, Eggs, and Onions

Kana Okada / Via bonappetit.com

Feeling fancy? Upgrade those grits to new heights.

13. Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Grits

Maya / Via alaskafromscratch.com

If things are too rich and creamy (is that possible?), lighten it up with lemon.

14. Grits Dressing

Andres Overgaard / Via bonappetit.com

Dressing isn't just a salad topper in the south, it's an entire dish (that would be stuffing to you Northerners.)

15. Grits With Old-Bay-Frizzled Shallots and Fried Egg

Phoebe / Via biggirlssmallkitchen.com

Old Bay seasoning makes the Southern food world go 'round.

16. Savory Big Brunch Grits

Amanda Duncan / Via peachesplease.com

Brunch is BIG in the South. Make sure your cast iron skillet is even bigger.

17. Easy Louisiana Creole Shrimp and Grits

Claire / Via alittleclaireification.com

Even in the midst of the coldest winter, this dish will brighten your day like Southern summer heat.

18. Smoked Cheddar Grits with Broiled Heirloom Tomatoes

Kiersten Frase / Via ohmyveggies.com

Long live grits (...and cheese).

19. Sweet Corn Grits with Berries and Honey

Alanna Taylor-Tobin / Via bojongourmet.com

It's a main dish! It's a side! And now, its your sticky-sweet dessert too. Is there anything grits can't do?

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