Cheese Grits Recipe: Creamy and Flavorful Dish

Name: Homemade Cheese Grits with Sausage
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup stone ground grits; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus 1 tablespoon (to cook sausage)); 16 ounces andouille sausage (diced); 1 jalapeno (diced); 2 cups chicken stock; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups whole milk; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated)

Creamy, cheesy, rich, and absolutely loaded with flavor, these Homemade Cheese Grits with Sausage are everything your comfort-food-loving heart dreams about. We’re talking spicy, smoky Andouille sausage… fiery jalapeño… copious amounts of melty cheese… and, of course, a generous pat of butter (or three).

When I think of grits, I get a little giddy. Like happy-dance-in-the-kitchen giddy.

Because let’s be honest: grits are incredible. If they aren’t in your top-tier comfort foods, then friend… you just haven’t had the right recipe yet.

The right recipe looks a lot like this one — or like these super-popular Cajun Shrimp and Grits.

Here, we’re piling on goodies: spicy jalapeños, smoky Andouille sausage, and my forever favorite — loads of sharp cheddar. It’s the dreamiest, creamiest side dish ever.

And if you love Cheesy Cauliflower Bake, Creamy Mashed Potatoes , or Instant Pot Creamed Corn, get ready — you’re going to love these cheese grits.

a black bowl filled with yellow grits and topped with sliced sausage

Why This Recipe Works

Ultra-creamy base thanks to milk, butter, and slow simmering
Layers of flavor from smoky Andouille + spicy jalapeño
Melty sharp cheddar adds richness and depth
Customizable heat level — add more jalapeño or swap in a milder sausage
Quick cooking time with big flavor payoff

Jump to:

Why This Recipe Works
Make It a Meal
Easy Side Dishes
Ingredients
Step by Step Instructions
Expert Tips
Common Questions
Storing Instructions
Recipe
💬 Comments

What are Grits?

Grits are typically coarsely ground corn or hominy. There are several different kinds of grits, including quick cooking, instant, and stone ground. They can also be roughly ground to finely ground, depending on your texture preference.

Grits are most often thought of when served with Cajun food, such as New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, this spicy Blackened Catfish, or some good old Shrimp and Grits.

They're so versatile they can be served as a side to so many dishes like this Cajun Roast Quail, Braised Beef Short Ribs, and these Pan Fried Pork Chops,

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Make It a Meal

Serve your cheese grits with:

Spicy Blackened Shrimp Salad or crispy fried catfish
Roasted veggies like asparagus or okra
Soft-scrambled eggs for the ultimate brunch moment
A splash of hot sauce if you’re feeling extra spicy

Easy Side Dishes

Need something to round it out? Try these favorites:

Ingredients

I use stone ground grits for this recipe as I believe the texture is the best. They take slightly longer to cook, but it's totally worth it (don't worry it's mostly hands off time). Buy stone ground grits online.

Cheddar cheese has an amazing flavor, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Parmesan, or any other kind of cheese.

Andouille sausage adds a wonderful smoky, spicy flavor, but any smoked sausage can be substituted. Buy Andouille sausage online. You can also just use these air fryer sausage links cut up in pieces.

I like to use this homemade Chicken Bone Broth, but any good quality chicken stock will work. I love the flavor and richness of the bone broth,

Step by Step Instructions

Step1: Heat a dutch oven over medium heat and add the diced sausage and butter. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned on all sides. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step2: Add the diced jalapeno to the pot and saute for 1 minute.

Step3: Add the chicken broth, salt and pepper and bring to a boil.

Step4: Add the grits and bring back to a simmer.

Step5: Stir in the milk and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step6: Remove from heat and stir in the cream, cheese, and butter. Garnish with the caramelized sausage and jalapenos.

grits topped with browned sausage, butter and green onions

Using Different Kinds of Grits

You can also make this recipe with instant grits or regular grits. Follow the same instructions as above, just cook for the amount of time indicated on the package. Instant Grits typically cook for 1 minute, and regular grits take about 10 minutes.

That said, I do highly recommend using stone ground grits as they have the best flavor and texture.

Variations

- You can easily make this shrimp and grits by adding some sauteed shrimp (in butter of course) on top of the grits. This New Orleans BBQ Shrimp actually works perfect for this.

- You can stir in different kinds of cheese like Parmesan, Monterey jack or Swiss.

- Serve them topped with poached eggs or sunny side up eggs.

- Top them with any kind of braised meat - they are great with Instant Pot Short Ribs or this Slow Cooker Pot Roast.

- Top the grits with caramelized onions, crumbled bacon or chopped ham. Or all three...

Expert Tips

Stir often — grits love sticking to the bottom of the pot.
If the grits get too thick, add extra milk a little at a time until you reach your perfect consistency.
Serve immediately for the creamiest texture. If reheating, warm on low and add a splash of milk to loosen.

Common Questions

Can I use quick or instant grits?

Yes — but stone-ground will give you the best flavor and texture. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this without sausage?

Of course! Use smoked paprika for flavor, or swap in mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.

Is it spicy?

It has a kick, but you control the heat. Use half a jalapeño or a mild sausage for a gentler bowl.

grits topped with sausage and green onions in a bowl

Storing Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding milk until creamy again.

Did you make these cheese grits? Rate it and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!