These Southern Bacon Cheesy Fried Grits Cakes are a mouthwatering blend of creamy stone-ground grits, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon all fried to golden perfection. A classic Southern twist on a comfort food favorite, they are both indulgent and satisfying. Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even the star of your brunch table, these crispy grits cakes deliver a crunchy exterior and a soft, cheesy inside. Serve them hot and watch them disappear faster than you can fry up another batch!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, milk, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Slowly whisk in the grits, reducing heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes, or until thick and creamy.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, black pepper, and butter. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the grits mixture into a greased baking dish or sheet pan. Spread evenly and allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Once chilled, cut the grits into squares or circles using a knife or biscuit cutter.
- Dredge each grits cake in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the grits cakes for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
What Are Southern Bacon Cheesy Fried Grits Cakes?
Southern Bacon Cheesy Fried Grits Cakes are exactly what they sound like thick, creamy grits infused with sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, chilled until firm, then cut into bite-sized cakes and fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy, crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, cheesy, and smoky interior. This dish bridges the gap between comfort food and indulgence, offering a satisfying bite with every forkful.
These grits cakes are versatile enough to be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a main course for brunch or dinner. Their flavor profile, which combines creamy, salty, smoky, and cheesy notes, makes them irresistible to anyone who enjoys Southern-inspired cooking.
A Brief History of Grits in Southern Cuisine
Before diving deeper into why these cheesy fried grits cakes are such a beloved dish, it’s worth understanding the history of grits themselves.
Grits are made from ground corn, traditionally hominy, which is corn that has been treated with an alkali in a process called nixtamalization. This method softens the corn kernels, making them easier to grind and digest, and enhances their nutritional profile. Grits became a staple in the American South due to the abundance of corn and their cost-effectiveness as a hearty, filling food.
Over generations, grits have been adapted and enhanced. Originally served as a simple porridge, Southern cooks began incorporating butter, cream, cheese, seafood, and meats leading to elevated variations like shrimp and grits, cheesy grits casseroles, and of course, the fried grits cakes.
Why Bacon and Cheese Make Grits Even Better
The combination of bacon and cheese in these fried grits cakes is not just about indulgence; it’s about balancing flavors and textures. Let’s break down why these ingredients work so well together:
1. Bacon: The Smoky, Crispy Element
Bacon adds a salty, smoky depth to the grits that elevates them beyond bland cornmeal. The crispy texture of the bacon contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior of the grits cakes. When the bacon pieces are folded into the mixture, every bite bursts with flavor, ensuring that the richness is evenly distributed throughout.
2. Cheddar Cheese: Creamy Sharpness
Cheddar cheese not only makes the grits creamier but also adds a sharp, tangy flavor profile that cuts through the fattiness of the bacon. Sharp cheddar is the preferred choice because it provides that intense, aged flavor without being overpowering. When the grits mixture is chilled and later fried, the cheese melts inside, giving a luscious, gooey texture while keeping the cakes firm on the outside.
The Art of Frying Grits Cakes to Perfection
One of the standout features of this recipe is the crispy, golden exterior of the grits cakes. Achieving the perfect crust while maintaining a soft, creamy interior involves a few key steps:
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Chilling the Grits Mixture: Once the grits are cooked and mixed with bacon and cheese, they need to cool and set. Chilling ensures the cakes hold their shape during frying.
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Bread Crumbing: Coating the cakes in flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs ensures maximum crunch. Panko breadcrumbs, known for their light and airy texture, create a crispier crust compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
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Oil Temperature: Frying at the right temperature (around 350°F) ensures that the cakes cook evenly without absorbing excess oil, resulting in a non-greasy, perfectly golden exterior.
Versatility in Serving: Beyond Just a Side Dish
Southern Bacon Cheesy Fried Grits Cakes aren’t limited to being served as a side dish. Their adaptability makes them a fantastic option for multiple occasions:
Brunch Favorite
Serve these grits cakes alongside poached eggs, avocado slices, and fresh greens for a hearty brunch plate that’ll rival any restaurant offering.
Appetizer Delight
Cut them into smaller squares and offer them as finger foods or canapés at your next gathering. Pair them with a creamy dipping sauce, like a spicy aioli or ranch, to complement their crispy texture.
Main Course Star
Stack two or three grits cakes, top with grilled shrimp or pulled pork, and drizzle with a creamy sauce or gravy for a Southern-inspired dinner plate that feels elevated yet familiar.
Dietary Modifications and Variations
Though traditionally made with bacon and cheddar cheese, this dish is highly customizable for various dietary needs:
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Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers to maintain a rich, umami flavor.
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Gluten-Free Variation: Swap out the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Rice flour and gluten-free panko work beautifully.
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Different Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with gouda, pepper jack, or parmesan to create different flavor profiles.
The Cultural Significance of Fried Grits Cakes
Southern Bacon Cheesy Fried Grits Cakes symbolize more than just good food they represent tradition, hospitality, and resourcefulness. In the South, meals are often a time for family and community gathering. Dishes like these grits cakes are designed to feed a crowd, be made from pantry staples, and offer that warm, comforting feeling that Southern cuisine is renowned for.
They also reflect a history of making the most out of humble ingredients. Transforming basic cornmeal, milk, and a bit of bacon into a dish that feels luxurious yet accessible demonstrates the ingenuity that defines Southern cooking.
Conclusion:
In a culinary world filled with trendy ingredients and complicated techniques, sometimes the most satisfying meals come from the simplest, time-honored recipes. Southern Bacon Cheesy Fried Grits Cakes embody the heart of Southern comfort food warm, inviting, and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, planning a family dinner, or looking for an appetizer that will have guests coming back for seconds, these grits cakes deliver on all fronts. The smoky bacon, creamy cheddar, and crispy fried crust create a harmony of flavors and textures that’s impossible to resist.
At their core, these grits cakes are more than just a recipe they’re a celebration of tradition, flavor, and the comforting magic of Southern hospitality. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a staple in your kitchen, just as they have in countless Southern homes for generations.