50+ Southern Grits Recipes That'll Stand the Test of Time

RX_0911 G Cheddar Cheese Grits Casserole

This favorite Southern food isn't just for breakfast! Add grits to your menu with our Cheddar cheese grits, shrimp and grits, and grits-bar ideas.

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Spiced Pumpkin Grits

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Grits

Add a little fall flavor to your grits with canned pumpkin and spiced pecans.

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Cheesy Grits-and-Ale Soup

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Cheesy Grits-and-Ale Soup

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Italian-Style Grits and Greens with Pulled Pork and Mushrooms

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Italian-Style Grits and Greens with Pulled Pork and Mushrooms

We topped creamy grits and greens with pulled pork and garlicky sautéed mushrooms.

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Chicken Chili Pot Pie Recipe

Jennifer Causey

Recipe: Chicken Chili Pot Pie Recipe

The poblano chiles and butternut squash are topped with puffed, cheesy grits. You can make this as individual servings or in a 3-quart baking dish.

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Bacon-and-Chive Grit Fries with Smoky Hot Ketchup

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Bacon-and-Chive Grit Fries with Smoky Hot Ketchup

These grit fries are a little bit like cheese sticks, but with a Southern twist.

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Pan-Seared Shrimp with Chive Grits and Salsa Verde

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pan-Seared Shrimp with Chive Grits and Salsa Verde

"My mom made shrimp and grits way before it became such an overwhlmingly popular dish. Here, it's made her way but I added a bright, herbaceous salsa verde, which I learned from my days at Gramercy Tavern." - Chef John Hall

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Waffled Grits

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Waffled Bacon & Cheddar Grits
Recipe: Waffled Jalapeño & Monterey Jack Cheese Grits
Recipe: Waffled Gruyère & Ham Grits

Reserve a handful of the stir-in ingredients for a colorful garnish.

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Caramelized Onion and Pancetta Grits

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Caramelized Onion and Pancetta Grits

Pancetta is an Italian meat similar to bacon. You definitely don't want to miss it.

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White Cheddar Grits Ft Louise

Hannah Schneider Creative

Recipe: White Cheddar Chipotle Grits

These grits, made with cream and pureed chipotle peppers, are flavorful and – contrary to their name – not gritty at all. The trick? Use cream instead of water.

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Shrimp 'n' Grits Pie

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Shrimp 'n' Grits Pie

Use a whisk to beat the eggs vigorously and your grits pie will have a light and airy texture.

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Grits Cakes with Poached Eggs and Country Gravy

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Grits Cakes with Poached Eggs and Country Gravy

Trim away uneven edges for a clean look. Use a paring knife, round cookie cutter, or pizza wheel.

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Buttermilk Grits with Pear-Granola

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Buttermilk Grits with Pear-Granola

Make yourself a sweet little snack with this pear-granola topped recipe.

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Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche

Spread cheese to the edge of the warm, bacony grits "crust" to prevent any custard from seeping out while the quiche bakes.

Watch: Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche

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Smoked Gouda and Andouille Grits

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Smoked Gouda and Andouille Grits

Make your grits a little more Cajun with Andouille sausage and rich smoked Gouda.

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Perfect Pot of Grits

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Perfect Pot of Grits

Perfect grits begin with good grits. Use stone-ground varieties to deliver the best flavor and texture. As for the method, we cover grits as they simmer, a revelatory technique that cuts the cook time in half. Follow this recipe to cook grits like a pro.

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Creamy Parmesan Grits

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Creamy Parmesan Grits

Look for Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, which adds nutty flavor and an earthy depth to the grits.

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Buttermilk Grits with Country Ham and Shrimp

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Buttermilk Grits with Country Ham and Shrimp

Add a little more Southern to your shrimp n' grits with some country ham.

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Summer Corn Grits

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Summer Corn Grits

Scrape the milky liquid from the corncobs, and add it with the kernels for extra summery flavor.

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Cheese Grits and Roasted Tomatoes

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Cheese Grits and Roasted Tomatoes

Make a double batch of the versatile Roasted Tomatoes, and pair the juicy gems with a cheese tray, salad, or grilled meat.

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Blackberry-Yogurt Grits

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Blackberry-Yogurt Grits

Whether you start your day off with this recipe or turn to it for a snack, you will be happy you made it.

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Sausage-and-Grits Quiche

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Sausage-and-Grits Quiche

Thaw food in the refrigerator. The science behind a slow, even thaw preserves flavor and texture. Impress your brunch company with this clever, simple spin on a traditional quiche.

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Hatch Chile Grits Breakfast Bowl

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Hatch Chile Grits Breakfast Bowl

These creamy grits are topped with a fried egg, making it a perfect way to start the day.

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Company Pot Roast with Creamy Mushroom Grits

Photo: Greg Dupree

Recipe: Company Pot Roast with Creamy Mushroom Grits

Bacon, garlic, and red wine imbue humble chuck roast with robust character and rich beef-bourguignon flavor as the meat transforms in the slow cooker. Serve sliced or in chunks over Creamy Mushroom Grits.

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Cheesy Grits Soufflé

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cheesy Grits Soufflé

Turn a classic Southern dish into a light, fluffy soufflé for the ultimate holiday brunch.

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Gumbo Gravy over Stone-ground Grits

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Gumbo Gravy over Stone-ground Grits

Browned flour makes a low-fat gravy, while the slow cooker creates the creamiest grits without cheese or butter. And with a light gravy, you can indulge in andouille sausage.

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Roasted Tomato and Garlic Grits

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Roasted Tomato and Garlic Grits

This tomato and garlic recipe is topped with feta cheese.

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Grits Breakfast Bowl

Recipe: Grits Breakfast Bowl

Grits, bacon, cheese and milk combine to create this satisfying meal. Enjoy this protein-packed breakfast with a bowl of fresh fruit and a glass of milk for a healthy start to your day.

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Sausage, Pepper, and Grits Casserole

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Sausage, Pepper, and Grits Casserole

We took a cue from shepherd's pie and used grits (in lieu of mashed potatoes) to seal in the flavor of juicy sausage in an ever-so-sweet sauce.

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Mini Grits and Greens Appetizer

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Mini Grits and Greens

Warm ceramic soup spoons in a 200° oven for 10 minutes before assembling.
Tasting spoons: assorted variety online and in stores; worldmarket.com

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Grits Crostini with Caramelized Apples and Onions

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Grits Crostini

The sweet savory flavor of Caramelized Apples and Onions pair well with the baked crostini.

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One-Pot Shrimp and Grits

Photo: Greg Dupree

Recipe: One-Pot Shrimp and Grits

Spicy andouille, sautéed shrimp, and old-fashioned grits are the backbone of flavor for this One-Pot Shrimp and Grits. Avoid overcrowding the pot when cooking the shrimp so they will brown and cook through quickly.

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Shrimp and Grits Dressing

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Dressing

Few things embody the true taste of the South more than a classic Shrimp and Grits, and what better way to bring the taste of the Lowcountry to your Thanksgiving table than through this incredible must-try dressing. Apart from the usual shrimp and grits, this dressing brings the flavors of breadcrumbs, bell peppers, green onions, and Parmesan cheese to the table. This may become your family’s go-to dressing, or you may find yourself making this dish at any time of the year. Everyone loves a twist on a classic, and once you taste this Shrimp and Grits Dressing you will understand why.

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Country Ham and Gouda Grit Cakes with Tomato Gravy

Photo: Melina Hammer

Recipe: Country Ham and Gouda Grit Cakes with Tomato Gravy

Make grits and sauce a day ahead. Grit cakes (browned in a skillet) also make a tasty supper side.

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Creole Shrimp and Sweet Potato Grits

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Creole Shrimp and Sweet Potato Grits

Add a little sweetness and a big superfood boost to your traditional shrimp and grits.

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Pimiento Cheese and Brisket Grits

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Pimiento Cheese and Brisket Grits

Take your grits to the bbq with sliced brisket and some fresh pimiento cheese.

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Creole Shrimp and Grits

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Creole Shrimp and Grits

A New Orleans classic gets a Lowcountry makeover in Creole Shrimp and Grits.

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Creamy Grits Casserole

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Creamy Grits Casserole

This buttery, two-cheese casserole featuring one of the South’s favorite foods is a must for holiday brunches or to serve at dinner with shrimp or ham.

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Slow-Cooker Grits

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Grits

Host a grits-bar brunch, and start with these simplified grits (or a cheesy twist). Then, offer a variety of toppings so that everyone can make their favorite combination.

Great Grits Combos

Boiled Shrimp + Easy Creole Sauce
Bourbon Mushrooms + Spinach + Swiss + Bacon
Chopped Ham + Shredded Cheddar
Caramelized Onions + Shredded Smoked Gruyère
Shredded Barbecued Pork + BBQ Sauce + Sautéed Spinach

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Pepper Jack Grits Poppers

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Pepper Jack Grits Poppers

Wow your guests with this 6-ingredient twist on the iconic finger food.

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Fresh Corn and Chèvre Grits

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Fresh Corn and Chèvre Grits

This recipe is the perfect side dish for any recipe.

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Gulf Coast Shrimp and Grits

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Gulf Coast Shrimp and Grits

True Midtown Kitchen; Mobile, AL
"I worked with a cook who had this great recipe for Italian red sauce, so I translated that into shrimp and grits. For me, this is the perfect comfort food because you have buttery Parmesan grits combined with a rich, tomato-based sauce that's both familiar and just a little different." —Wesley True

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Cheddar Cheese Grits Casserole

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Grits Casserole

You simply cannot go wrong with this eggs, cheese, and grits combination. It’s unassuming but absolutely delicious, and a true Southern favorite. It comes together with ingredients that all Southerners have on hand – milk, butter, grits, eggs, and cheese. This creamy grits casserole can be served as is for a casual morning breakfast or as a main dish. Add a sprinkle of crumbled breakfast sausage or diced baked ham for added bulk. Don’t limit this crowd-pleaser to breakfast or brunch. Serve it on the side of a main meat, such as shrimp or brisket for a classic, rich, and comforting Southern supper.

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Grits-and-Gumbo Tarts

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Grits-and-Gumbo Tarts

Capture the iconic flavors of New Orleans in these easy-to-make tarts.

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Shrimp and Andouille Sausage With Asiago Grits

Photo: Van Chaplin

Recipe: Shrimp and Andouille Sausage With Asiago Grits

Full of spicy Louisiana flair, this dish is perfect for a more intimate get-together.

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Grits Bar

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey; Food Styling: Vanessa McNeil Rocchio

Recipe: Tomato Gravy

Recipe: Parmesan Grits

Feature grits the next time you entertain. Offer both plain and cheese, and keep them hot in slow cookers or chafing dishes. Choose quick-cooking, regular, or white or yellow stone-ground grits. (We don't recommend instant here.)

Serve several toppings, such as Tomato Gravy featured in the photo, so guests can mix in their favorite flavors. Here's some great ideas:

Gravies and pestos
Shredded cheeses
Roasted vegetables
Crumbled bacon
Grilled corn kernels

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Shrimp and Grits

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

The original recipe for this hearty shrimp and grits dish is from Bill Smith, executive chef at Crook's Corner, the landmark Southern restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

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Shrimp-and-Grits Eggs Benedict

Recipe: Shrimp-and-Grits Eggs Benedict

Our Test Kitchen thought the popular Lowcountry dish shrimp and grits couldn't be improved. Yet Robert Stehling of Hominy Grill in Charleston put a delicious twist on this recipe using fried grits squares, asparagus spears, and a creamy shrimp sauce.

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Grits-and-Greens Breakfast Bake

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Grits-and-Greens Breakfast Bake

This dish combines breakfast favorites grits and eggs with tried-and-true Southern collard greens. Make Simple Collard Greens up to three days ahead for simple prep before mealtime.

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Cheese Grit-and-Chive Muffins

Photo: Cedric Angeles

Recipe: Cheese Grit-and-Chive Muffins

These biscuits are a perfectly savory accompaniment to country ham.

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Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole

Photo: Alison Miksch

Recipe: Smoky Sausage-and-Grits Casserole

The key to this delicious brunch dish is in the smoked sausage. Salt, thyme, garlic powder, and cheddar cheese give depth to the casserole’s savory flavor, but the most rich and filling flavor comes from the sausage. Choose local links for unique flavor. We love Conecuh Hickory Smoked Sausage, made in Evergreen, Alabama, since 1947. You can also opt for a breakfast sausage, flavored with sage and black pepper, for a classic breakfast dish. Low on time? You can assemble this up to four days ahead, and keep in the fridge; then let it stand at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.

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Cheese Grits

Beth Dreiling / Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey / Food Styling: Angela Sellers

Recipe: Creamy Cheese Grits

Sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses lend an unbeatable tangy richness to Creamy Cheese Grits.

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Cheddar Cheese Grits Casserole

Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Grits Casserole

Mixing Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses in Cheddar Cheese Grits Casserole gives it just the right taste. Serve as a hearty, filling side dish for breakfast or any occasion.

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Anytime Grits Recipes

1 of 53

Spiced Pumpkin Grits

2 of 53

Cheesy Grits-and-Ale Soup

3 of 53

Italian-Style Grits and Greens with Pulled Pork and Mushrooms

4 of 53

Chicken Chili Pot Pie Recipe

5 of 53

Bacon-and-Chive Grit Fries with Smoky Hot Ketchup

6 of 53

Pan-Seared Shrimp with Chive Grits and Salsa Verde

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Waffled Grits

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Caramelized Onion and Pancetta Grits

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White Cheddar Grits Ft Louise

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Shrimp 'n' Grits Pie

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Grits Cakes with Poached Eggs and Country Gravy

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Buttermilk Grits with Pear-Granola

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Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche

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Smoked Gouda and Andouille Grits

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Perfect Pot of Grits

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Creamy Parmesan Grits

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Buttermilk Grits with Country Ham and Shrimp

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Summer Corn Grits

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Cheese Grits and Roasted Tomatoes

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Blackberry-Yogurt Grits

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Sausage-and-Grits Quiche

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Hatch Chile Grits Breakfast Bowl

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Company Pot Roast with Creamy Mushroom Grits

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Cheesy Grits Soufflé

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Gumbo Gravy over Stone-ground Grits

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Roasted Tomato and Garlic Grits

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Grits Breakfast Bowl

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Sausage, Pepper, and Grits Casserole

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Mini Grits and Greens Appetizer

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Grits Crostini with Caramelized Apples and Onions

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One-Pot Shrimp and Grits

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Shrimp and Grits Dressing

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Country Ham and Gouda Grit Cakes with Tomato Gravy

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Creole Shrimp and Sweet Potato Grits

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Pimiento Cheese and Brisket Grits

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Creole Shrimp and Grits

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Creamy Grits Casserole

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Slow-Cooker Grits

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