Grits.  We love them for breakfast, but we love them even more for dinner.  Pull together these ingredients and let’s make a dish that you’ll be proud to serve family and friends – a true toast to Southern cooking!  Gouda Grits & Bacon!

Grits are a classic Southern comfort food.  Served simply with butter and salt or dressed up with cheese.  We love our grits topped with grilled shrimp and veggies.  We think you are going to love this version of smokey gouda cheese grits with red bell peppers and bacon… everyone loves bacon!

A true pantry staple.  Grits are simply a more coarsely ground version of cornmeal.  You can purchase grits ‘quick-cooking instant’ style, or you can buy them whole kernel, which take a bit longer to cook.  Look for them in the breakfast aisle beside the oatmeal, or better yet, find a local source that grinds them fresh!  Yummy recipe below…

Gouda Grits & Bacon 
2 cups grits
if using quick-cooking grits: 4 cups milk & 4 cups water
if using whole kernel grits: 5 cups milk & 5 cups water
1 1/2 cup grated smoked gouda cheese
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 large onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 pound bacon

What to do:
Prepare grits by bringing milk and water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, stir in grits, cover pot and turn heat to low. Allow grits to simmer 5 minutes (quick-cook) or 30 minutes (whole kernel). Grits are ready once liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir in cheese, butter, salt and pepper.

In a frying pan, cook bacon strips until crispy. Remove all but about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings from pan. Toss in red pepper and saute for 2 minutes before adding onion. Cook pepper and onion until translucent.

Spoon grits onto plate and top with peppers and bacon!  Serves 4


post and pictures by Sunshine