Annual Food & Drink Issue

Three Italian Cheese Creamy Grits Recipe

Glorious Grits

Southern Comfort Food for Any Time of Day

Whether grits are breakfast or dinner, side or main, they’re a meal that can bring up warm memories of home with family and friends gathered around the table together. Originating from a stone-milled corn dish commonly made by Native Americans, this simple comfort food can now be found on fine dining menus nationwide. Here, several Chattanooga locals share their go-to recipes and tips for a fantastic meal.

Photography by Ryan Long Photography

Creamy Grits served with grilled pork chops

Three Italian Cheese Creamy Grits

Brad Moffett

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Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

8 oz. high-quality pancetta, chopped into lardons
1 shallot, diced
3 cloves of garlic, diced
3 cups chicken stock
1 cup coarse yellow grits
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups cheeses of your choise, shredded Parmesan, mozzarella, and gruyere is my favorite combination.
spring onion or chives optional garnish

Instructions

Chop pancetta into lardons or smaller chunks.
Sauté in a medium saucepan on low to medium heat until all the fat is rendered and the pancetta is crispy.
Set aside pancetta.
Remove the excess fat from the pancetta, leaving about 2 Tbsp. in the pan.
Dice shallot and garlic.
Add shallot to fat in pan and sauté over medium heat until soft, about 3 minutes.
Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
Add chicken stock to the pan and bring to a rolling boil before adding grits.
Follow the directions on the grits package, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
When the grits start to thicken, add heavy cream as necessary.
Once the cream is incorporated, add the cheeses.
Once the cheese is incorporated and melted, top with crispy pancetta.
Garnish with chopped spring onion or chives before serving.

Keyword cheesy grits, creamy grits, italian cheese, southern comfort food, three cheese

“I travel so much, cooking at home is both a comfort and hobby – there is nothing quite like cooking something for your friends and family. Sometimes the most delicious dishes are made with simple ingredients. These grits are great on their own or as a side dish with grilled pork chops, fish, or shrimp.”

-Brad Moffett, Cleveland