Are you tired of the same old leftover grits routine? Do you find yourself stuck in a cycle of reheated, bland breakfast bowls day after day? Well, we’ve got the solution for you! With just a little creativity and some inspiration from around the world, those humble leftover grits can be transformed into a multitude of tasty treats that will have your taste buds singing. From savory cakes and crispy fritters to sweet muffins and decadent puddings, we’ve gathered 18 mouth-watering recipes to show you that there’s more to leftover grits than meets the eye. So go ahead, get creative, and give these ideas a try – your taste buds (and your leftovers) will thank you!
Savory Grit Cakes with Cheese and Herbs
Elevate your snack game with these crispy, cheesy grit cakes infused with fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick bite or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together grits and melted butter.
3. Add grated cheese, parsley, scallions, salt, and pepper; stir until combined.
4. Beat in the eggs until the mixture is smooth.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Crispy Fried Grit Bites with Spicy Mayo
These crispy fried grit bites are a twist on traditional hushpuppies, perfect for snacking or as a side dish. The spicy mayo adds an extra layer of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Spicy mayo (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep fryer to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together grits, flour, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
3. Gradually add buttermilk, stirring until the mixture forms a thick batter.
4. Using a spoon or small scoop, drop the batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil.
7. Serve warm with spicy mayo for dipping.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Leftover Grits Breakfast Casserole
Transform last night’s grits into a delicious breakfast casserole to start your day off right! This easy recipe is perfect for using up leftover grits and can be customized with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover grits
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced ham or bacon
– 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 6 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine grits, cheese, ham or bacon, bell peppers, and scallions.
3. Beat in the eggs until well combined.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
5. Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared dish.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the casserole is set and lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Grit-Stuffed Bell Peppers with Marinara
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed bell peppers, this recipe combines creamy grits with savory marinara sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook grits according to package instructions using 2 cups of water. Mix in olive oil, onion, garlic, and oregano.
3. Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Fill each pepper with grit mixture.
4. Place peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Spoon marinara sauce over peppers and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until peppers are tender.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Creamy Grits and Bacon Pancakes
Start your day with a Southern twist by combining creamy grits with crispy bacon pancakes. This unique breakfast dish is sure to become a morning favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup pancake mix
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions using 4 cups of water. Stir in butter until melted.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, and egg.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry. Flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve pancakes warm with crumbled bacon, creamy grits, and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including cooking time for grits)
Southern-Style Grit Fritters with Hot Sauce
Get ready to satisfy your cravings with these crispy, cheesy, and spicy fritters made with grits! A Southern classic gets a bold twist with the addition of hot sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot) for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together grits, cheese, flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Gradually add buttermilk, stirring until the mixture forms a thick batter.
4. Drop tablespoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with your favorite hot sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cheesy Grit Waffles with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with these creamy, cheesy waffles infused with the warmth of grits and drizzled with sweet maple syrup. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring grits and water to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in cheese, sugar, baking powder, and salt until melted and smooth.
4. Whisk in eggs and melted butter.
5. Pour batter onto preheated waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Grit Balls with Jalapeño Dip
Elevate your snack game with these addictive baked grit balls, perfectly paired with a spicy jalapeño dip.
Ingredients:
For the Grit Balls:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Jalapeño Dip:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine grits, cheese, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
4. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Meanwhile, mix dip ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
7. Serve warm grit balls with chilled jalapeño dip.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Grit and Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
A hearty, savory twist on traditional stuffed mushrooms, this recipe combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the comforting warmth of grits and sausage. Perfect for a cozy dinner or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (any variety)
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup cooked sausage (such as andouille or chorizo), crumbled
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium saucepan, cook grits according to package instructions until creamy. Stir in butter until melted. Set aside.
3. Sauté sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with an equal portion of grits mixture and sausage mixture.
5. Sprinkle tops with paprika and cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
Smoky Grit and Cheddar Soufflé
Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy, smoky soufflé that combines the richness of cheddar cheese with the earthy flavor of grits. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese (sharp or extra-sharp work best)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring grits and 2 cups water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until creamy.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cheese, heavy cream, whole milk, melted butter, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cooked grits to the cheese mixture and stir until smooth.
5. Pour into 6 (1-cup) ramekins or small baking dishes. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until puffed and golden.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grit-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Elevate your chicken tenders game with this crispy, Southern-inspired twist! A crunchy grit coating adds texture and flavor to these tender bites.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken breast tenders
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 egg, beaten
– Buttermilk (for dipping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together grits, flour, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each chicken tender in the beaten egg, then coat in the grit mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with buttermilk (about 2 tablespoons per 5 tenders).
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Leftover Grit and Spinach Gratin
Transforming leftover grits into a creamy gratin with wilted spinach is a clever way to reduce food waste. This comforting side dish or main course is perfect for a cozy evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover grits
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine leftover grits, chopped spinach, and heavy cream. Stir until the spinach has wilted.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.
4. Dot the top with butter.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the gratin is golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Grit-Stuffed Tomatoes
Elevate your tomato game with this creative twist on classic stuffed tomatoes! A flavorful blend of spicy grits, crispy bacon, and tangy feta cheese takes center stage in these bite-sized beauties.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the tomatoes and hollow out the insides.
3. In a saucepan, bring the grits, butter, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until creamy.
4. Stuff each tomato with the warm grit mixture, followed by crumbled bacon and feta cheese.
5. Place the stuffed tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Grit and Parmesan Arancini
These crispy fried rice balls are filled with creamy grits and melted Parmesan cheese, making for a satisfying snack or side dish. Perfect for any occasion, these arancini are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked grits
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together cooked grits and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
2. Divide the grit mixture into 8-10 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
3. Dip each ball into the beaten egg and then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the arancini until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Leftover Grit Pudding with Berries
Transform leftover grits into a delicious and sweet dessert by adding fresh berries. This recipe is perfect for using up extra grits and reducing food waste.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover cooked grits (cooled)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– Whipped cream or chopped nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together grits, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Top with mixed berries, arranging them in a single layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pudding is set and the berries are tender.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. If desired, top with whipped cream or chopped nuts.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grit and Shrimp Croquettes with Remoulade
This recipe combines the comforting warmth of grits with the sweetness of shrimp, all wrapped up in a crispy croquette. Serve these bite-sized treats at your next gathering or enjoy as a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 1/2 cup peeled and deveined shrimp
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Remoulade sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Cook grits according to package instructions. Let cool.
2. In a bowl, combine shrimp, panko breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, and lemon juice. Mix well.
3. Add cooled grits to the shrimp mixture and stir until combined.
4. Form into 1-inch croquettes.
5. Fry in hot oil (375°F) for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve warm with remoulade sauce.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Sweet Grit Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar
Sweet Grit Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar: A Southern Classic
These moist and flavorful muffins are made with stone-ground grits, perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat. The cinnamon sugar topping adds an extra layer of sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups stone-ground grits
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Cinnamon sugar (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together grits, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of each muffin.
Cinnamon Sugar:
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Mix together until well combined. Store any leftover sugar in an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Grit and Chorizo Empanadas
Flaky pastry pockets filled with creamy grits, savory chorizo, and melted cheese make for a delightful snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup cooked grits
– 1/2 pound chorizo, sliced
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add heavy cream, stirring with a fork until dough forms.
5. Divide dough in half and roll out each half into a thin sheet.
6. Spoon grits, chorizo, and cheese onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
7. Fold the other half over filling, pressing edges to seal.
8. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
Summary
Get creative with your leftover grits! From savory cakes to crispy bites, and from breakfast casseroles to sweet muffins, this collection of 18 recipes will inspire you to think outside the box. Turn last night’s dinner into a satisfying brunch, or elevate your breakfast game with creamy pancakes and waffles. The possibilities are endless, so start cooking and discover new ways to repurpose your leftover grits!