Quick & Crispy Cheesy Fried Grit Cakes Recipe

Southern kitchens buzz with comfort, and these crispy cheesy fried grit cakes deliver a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite.

Creamy grits get an irresistible makeover when blended with sharp cheddar and formed into golden, crunchy patties.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast between the smooth interior and crackling exterior.

Perfectly seasoned and pan-fried to a beautiful golden brown, these grit cakes bring Southern hospitality right to your plate.

The combination of cheese and crisp texture makes this dish impossible to resist.

Weekend brunch or casual dinner, these grit cakes will steal the show and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delectable recipe and experience a true Southern comfort food sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 355 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Cheesy Fried Grit Cakes

• Milk: Creamy foundation that softens and enriches the grits, choose whole milk for maximum richness.
• Water: Helps achieve smooth, spreadable consistency and balances milk's density.
• Instant Grits: Quick-cooking variety ensuring smooth texture, select stone-ground for deeper corn flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides tangy, bold flavor, select well-aged variety for intense taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground delivers more vibrant notes.

• Eggs: Binding agent creating crispy exterior, use fresh room-temperature eggs for better coating.
• Milk: Helps egg mixture adhere to grit cakes, whole milk creates richer binding.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates ultra-crispy golden crust, Japanese-style breadcrumbs give superior crunch.
• Creole Seasoning: Delivers zesty Southern flavor, choose blend with balanced spice profile.
• Cooking Oil: Enables perfect golden frying, use neutral oils like vegetable or canola for consistent heat.

Tools That Help with Cheesy Fried Grit Cakes

• Large Saucepan: Essential for cooking and combining grits with milk, water, and cheese.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring grits and preventing sticking during cooking.
• Baking Dish: Needed to spread and chill the grits mixture until firm.
• Round Cookie Cutter: Helps create uniform grit cake shapes.
• Shallow Dishes: Two are required for egg wash and breadcrumb coating.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing eggs and milk smoothly.
• Large Skillet: Crucial for frying grit cakes to golden perfection.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Helps drain excess oil from fried cakes.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Make Crispy Cheesy Fried Grit Cakes

• Grit Foundation

Combine milk, water, and salt in a saucepan, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in grits, creating a smooth and creamy base that will become the heart of your dish.

• Cheese Infusion

Remove from heat and fold in sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely. Season with black pepper for a subtle kick of flavor that elevates the entire mixture.

• Cooling and Setting

Pour the cheesy grits into a flat dish, spreading evenly. Refrigerate until the mixture becomes firm and compact, typically requiring a few hours of peaceful resting time.

• Cake Crafting

Use a circular cutter to transform the chilled grits into perfect round shapes. Prepare a crispy coating by whisking eggs and creating a seasoned breadcrumb mixture.

• Golden Transformation

Carefully coat each grit cake in egg wash, then roll in seasoned breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a skillet until it shimmers with potential.

• Crispy Finale

Fry the grit cakes until they develop a stunning golden-brown exterior, turning once to ensure even cooking. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving these delectable southern treats.

Tips to Add Bold Flavor to Grit Cakes

• Swap sharp cheddar with gouda, pepper jack, or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles.
• Fold diced jalapeños, crispy bacon bits, or chopped green onions into the grits mixture for extra texture and zing.
• Press breadcrumbs firmly onto grit cakes to create a crunchier, more adherent exterior that won't fall off during frying.
• Prepare grit cake mixture up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for convenient meal planning.
• Top with remoulade sauce, drizzle with hot sauce, or serve alongside scrambled eggs for a Southern-style breakfast experience.

Serving Cheesy Fried Grit Cakes with Dips or Sauces

• Southern Brunch Centerpiece: Serve these crispy, golden grit cakes as the star attraction of a hearty southern-style weekend brunch spread alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and crisp bacon.
• Elegant Appetizer Platter: Arrange the cheesy fried grit cakes on a rustic wooden board with a zesty remoulade or spicy dipping sauce, perfect for cocktail parties or game day gatherings.
• Protein Pairing Delight: Top each grit cake with a small slice of smoked salmon, dollop of herbed cream cheese, or crispy pancetta for an elevated flavor experience that transforms the dish into a gourmet small plate.
• Breakfast-for-Dinner Sensation: Complement these grit cakes with a light arugula salad, poached eggs, and a drizzle of hollandaise sauce to create a decadent evening meal that breaks traditional dinner boundaries.

Storage Solutions for Fried Grit Cakes

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep your cheesy grit cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum flavor and crispy texture retention. The sealed environment prevents moisture absorption and maintains the delightful crunch.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Revive leftover grit cakes in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. This method restores the golden exterior and warm, gooey center without sacrificing the original crispiness.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Carefully layer uncooked, breaded grit cakes between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. These delicious bites can be stored frozen for up to 1 month, ready to fry directly from frozen state with minimal preparation.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Store the breading mixture and cooked grit cakes separately to maintain optimal texture. Keep breadcrumbs in a cool, dry pantry and refrigerate prepared grit cakes, preventing soggy bottoms and preserving their delectable crunch.

Crispy Fried Grit Cakes Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets culinary artistry in this cheesy fried grit cakes recipe, showcasing crispy exterior and creamy interior. Cheese-lovers will savor golden-brown edges and rich, melted center that promises pure Southern satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup instant grits
• 2 cups milk (mL)
• 2 cups water
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
• 2 tbsps milk (for egg wash)
• oil for frying (enough to cover ½ inch in your pan)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Grits Base: Simmer liquid ingredients in a saucepan, creating a smooth, creamy foundation for the dish.
2. Cheese Integration: Fold shredded sharp cheddar and black pepper into hot grits, stirring until cheese melts completely and blends seamlessly.
3. Set and Chill: Transfer the grits mixture to a flat baking dish, spreading evenly. Refrigerate until solidified and easily sliceable.
4. Create Coating Station: Whisk eggs in one bowl and season Panko breadcrumbs in another for a crispy exterior preparation.
5. Shape and Coat: Cut chilled grits into circular shapes, then methodically dredge each cake through egg mixture and generously coat with seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat coating for extra crispness.
6. Fry to Perfection: Heat neutral oil in a heavy skillet until optimal frying temperature is reached. Carefully lower breaded grit cakes into hot oil, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown and crispy.
7. Final Presentation: Drain fried grit cakes on paper towels to remove excess oil, then serve immediately while exterior remains crunchy and interior stays creamy and warm.

Notes

• Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate grits for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure a firm, sliceable texture that holds its shape during breading and frying.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Double-dip each grit cake in egg and breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in the creamy interior.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain oil at 350-375°F for optimal frying, preventing soggy results and ensuring a crisp, evenly cooked grit cake.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy right after frying to experience the perfect contrast between the crunchy exterior and the smooth, cheesy interior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 355
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 98 mg