Get ready to delight your tastebuds with this classic Southern dish! Oklahoma Cheese Grits are a comforting combination of creamy grits, melted cheese, and a kick of heat from hot pepper sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch, but is also versatile enough to be served as a side dish for dinner. A recipe that is sure to become a family favorite!
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are likely to be found in your pantry, there are a couple you might need to look for. Quick cooking grits, a type of coarse-ground corn, can usually be found in the cereal or baking aisles. Also, processed cheese, which melts easily to give a creamy texture, can be found in the dairy section or the deli department. Lastly, hot pepper sauce can be found in the condiment aisle.
Ingredients for Oklahoma Cheese Grits
Water: The base for cooking the grits. It is essential for hydrating the grits and making them soft and creamy.
Quick Cooking Grits: They cook faster than traditional grits and provide the hearty base for this dish.
Butter: Adds richness and depth to the flavor of the grits.
Processed cheese: Melts down smoothly into the grits, making them extra creamy and cheesy.
Seasoning salt: Adds an extra depth of flavor, enhancing the taste of the grits and cheese.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives a tangy, savory flavor that complements the creaminess of the grits and cheese.
Hot pepper sauce: Adds a kick of heat to the dish, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
Eggs: They help to bind the ingredients together and give the dish a bit of lift.
One reader, Alistair Lake says:
This Oklahoma cheese grits recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a hit every time. The combination of cheese, seasoning, and a hint of spice is pure comfort food. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying dish.
Techniques Required for Making Oklahoma Cheese Grits
How to prepare the grits: In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil, then stir in the grits and reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
How to fold in the eggs: After removing the grits from the heat and allowing them to cool slightly, crack the eggs into the mixture and gently incorporate them using a folding motion until well combined.
How to bake the grits: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the grits mixture into the prepared dish and bake for 1 hour, or until the top is lightly browned.
How To Make Oklahoma Cheese Grits
Cheese grits are a rustic, all-American side dish. This recipe combines cheese, eggs, seasonings, and hot sauce for a creamy, fluffy, and spicy dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6cupswater
- 1½cupsdry quick cooking grits
- ¾cupbutter
- 1lbprocessed cheese,cubed
- 2tspseasoning salt
- 1tbspworcestershire sauce
- ½tsphot pepper sauce
- 2tspsalt
- 3eggs,beaten
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
-
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the grits, and reduce heat to low. Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Mix in the butter, cheese, seasoning salt, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and salt. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
-
Remove from heat, cool slightly, and fold in the eggs. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
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Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until the top is lightly browned.
-
Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 343.84kcal
- Fat: 25.66g
- Saturated Fat: 15.01g
- Trans Fat: 0.91g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.62g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.35g
- Carbohydrates: 16.29g
- Fiber: 0.90g
- Sugar: 0.41g
- Protein: 12.05g
- Cholesterol: 109.05mg
- Sodium: 470.56mg
- Calcium: 270.55mg
- Potassium: 86.12mg
- Iron: 0.92mg
- Vitamin A: 213.74µg
- Vitamin C: 0.33mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Oklahoma Cheese Grits
When making Oklahoma cheese grits, it's crucial to stir the grits occasionally while they're cooking to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This also helps to ensure they cook evenly. Additionally, when adding the eggs, make sure the grits mixture has cooled slightly. This prevents the eggs from cooking upon contact and ensures they blend well into the mixture, contributing to the creamy texture of the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Oklahoma Cheese Grits Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the ingredients the night before, such as measuring out the grits and cutting the cheese, to save time on the day of cooking.
Use quick-cooking grits: Opt for quick-cooking grits to reduce the overall cooking time and get the dish on the table faster.
Organize your workspace: Arrange all the necessary ingredients and utensils in an organized manner before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Multi-task: While the grits are cooking, use that time to prepare other components of the meal to maximize efficiency.
Invest in quality cookware: Quality cookware can heat up faster and more evenly, helping to speed up the cooking process.
Preheat the oven in advance: Preheating the oven while preparing the grits can save valuable time and ensure an efficient baking process.
Keep it simple: Stick to simple and straightforward techniques to avoid unnecessary steps and save time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Oklahoma Cheese Grits Recipe
- water - Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth: Broth will add more flavor to the grits compared to water.
- quick cooking grits - Substitute with polenta: Polenta has a similar texture and can be used as a substitute for quick cooking grits.
- butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich flavor and can be used as a healthier alternative to butter.
- processed cheese - Substitute with sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese will provide a more natural and robust flavor compared to processed cheese.
- seasoning salt - Substitute with kosher salt and paprika: This combination will provide a similar seasoned flavor without the additives in seasoning salt.
- worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and a dash of hot sauce: This combination will provide a similar umami and tangy flavor to the dish.
- hot pepper sauce - Substitute with cayenne pepper or chili flakes: Both options will add heat and flavor to the dish.
- salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a healthier alternative to regular salt.
- eggs - Substitute with silken tofu or yogurt: Both can be used as a binding agent and add creaminess to the grits.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Oklahoma Grits
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Oklahoma cheese grits, ensure that the plating is elegant and refined. Use fine china or artisanal pottery to showcase the dish in a sophisticated manner.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with chopped chives or microgreens. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of flavor.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a contrasting element to the dish, such as a crispy prosciutto chip or toasted breadcrumbs, to provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy grits.
Utilize elegant serving utensils: Opt for silver-plated serving spoons or ornate tongs to elevate the presentation and create a luxurious dining experience.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the dish meticulously, ensuring that each component is placed with precision to create a visually appealing and balanced presentation.
Accentuate with a drizzle: Consider adding a delicate drizzle of truffle oil or balsamic reduction to add a touch of sophistication and depth of flavor to the dish.
Highlight with edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by adorning the dish with edible orchids or nasturtium blooms, adding a visually stunning and gourmet touch to the presentation.
Serve in individual ramekins: For a personalized touch, consider serving the cheese grits in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets to create a sense of exclusivity and refinement.
Create a decorative border: Use a piping bag to create a decorative border of whipped goat cheese or roasted red pepper coulis around the edge of the dish, adding an artistic element to the plating.
Enhance with a sprinkle of gourmet salt: Just before serving, sprinkle a pinch of fleur de sel or smoked sea salt over the dish to impart a touch of sophistication and elevate the overall flavor profile.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cheese Grits
- Medium saucepan: A medium-sized cooking pot with a handle and a lid, used for cooking and heating ingredients.
- Baking dish (9x13 inch): A rectangular dish used for baking, typically made of glass, ceramic, or metal, with dimensions of 9x13 inches.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food by using dry heat.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Oklahoma Cheese Grits
Let the cheese grits cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the grits soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled grits in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cheese grits. Cut them into individual portions and wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of when they were frozen.
Frozen cheese grits will maintain their best quality for up to 3 months. After that, they will still be safe to eat but may start to lose some of their texture and flavor.
To reheat refrigerated grits, microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through.
To reheat frozen grits, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat in the microwave or oven as described above. If you're in a hurry, you can defrost them in the microwave on the defrost setting before reheating.
If the reheated grits seem a bit dry, you can stir in a little milk, cream, or butter to help restore their creamy texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Cheese Grits
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover cheese grits to a saucepan and add a splash of milk or cream. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the grits are heated through and have reached your desired consistency. If the grits become too thick, add more liquid as needed.
Microwave method: place the leftover cheese grits in a microwave-safe bowl and add a small amount of milk or cream. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the grits are heated through and have reached your desired consistency.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). transfer the leftover cheese grits to an oven-safe dish and add a small amount of milk or cream. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the grits are heated through and have reached your desired consistency. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly, if desired.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the cheese grits well to ensure even heating and to prevent any hot spots or cold patches. You may also want to adjust the seasoning, adding a pinch of salt, pepper, or additional cheese to taste.
If you find that your reheated cheese grits have become too thick or dry, try stirring in a pat of butter or a splash of heavy cream to help restore their creamy texture and rich flavor.
Interesting Trivia About Oklahoma Cheese Grits
The Oklahoma Cheese Grits Recipe is a popular Southern dish that combines the creamy texture of grits with the rich flavor of processed cheese. This dish is often served as a side dish or a main course and is a staple in many Oklahoma households. Grits, a type of ground corn, have been a part of Southern cuisine for centuries and are a versatile ingredient in many recipes. The addition of Worcestershire sauce and hot pepper sauce adds a unique and flavorful twist to this classic dish. Enjoying this dish can be a comforting and hearty experience, especially when served alongside other Southern favorites.
Is Making Cheese Grits at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this Oklahoma cheese grits recipe largely depends on the availability and price of the ingredients. Processed cheese and butter can be economical, but the quantity required might increase the overall cost. Considering the serving size for a household of four, the approximate cost would be around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 7/10, as it offers a comforting and flavorful dish but may not be the most cost-effective option for regular consumption.
Are Oklahoma Cheese Grits Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Oklahoma cheese grits recipe is a hearty and comforting dish, but it is not particularly healthy. The main concerns with this recipe are:
- High in saturated fat: The recipe calls for a significant amount of butter and processed cheese, which are both high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
- High in sodium: The recipe includes seasoning salt, worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and regular salt, all of which contribute to a high sodium content. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues.
- Low in fiber: Grits are made from corn, which is relatively low in fiber compared to other whole grains. A lack of fiber in the diet can lead to digestive problems and may increase the risk of chronic diseases.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of butter and processed cheese, or replace them with healthier alternatives like olive oil and reduced-fat cheese.
- Use low-sodium seasonings and sauces to decrease the overall sodium content.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach, to increase the fiber content and add more nutrients.
- Serve the cheese grits as a side dish alongside lean proteins and a variety of colorful vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
- Experiment with using whole grain grits or mixing in other whole grains like quinoa or brown rice to boost the fiber content and nutritional value of the dish.
Editor's Opinion on Oklahoma Cheese Grits Recipe
The Oklahoma cheese grits recipe is a classic comfort food dish that combines the creamy texture of grits with the rich, savory flavor of cheese. The addition of seasoning salt, Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish. Baking the grits in the oven creates a golden brown crust on top, adding a delightful crunch to each bite. However, I would recommend using real cheese instead of processed cheese for a more authentic and flavorful result. Overall, this recipe is a hearty and satisfying side dish that is sure to please any crowd.
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Why trust this Oklahoma Cheese Grits Recipe:
This recipe for Oklahoma Cheese Grits is a tried and true Southern classic, perfected over generations. The combination of creamy processed cheese and rich butter creates a luscious texture, while the addition of seasoning salt, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of hot pepper sauce adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. The incorporation of eggs lends a delightful richness and helps bind the dish together. Baking the grits in the oven results in a golden brown crust that adds a delightful crunch to each bite. Trust in the tradition and expertise behind this recipe for a truly authentic taste of the South.
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