Pimiento Cheese and Bacon Grits Recipe

Pimiento Cheese and Bacon Grits Recipe | Ree Drummond

Pimiento Cheese and Bacon Grits

• Level: Easy
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings
• Total: 1 hr
• Active: 20 min

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving
Serving Size: 1 of 8 servings
Calories: 408
Total Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Dietary Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 2 g
Protein: 14 g
Cholesterol: 72 mg
Sodium: 419 mg

Ingredients ()

• 5 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 1/2 cups stone-ground grits
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 cup half-and-half
• Two 4-ounce jars diced pimientos, drained
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and fry the bacon until it's crispy, taking about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
2. At the same time, heat 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot. Stir in the grits along with the salt using a whisk. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook while stirring now and then, for around 30 minutes.
3. Mix in the half-and-half and continue simmering until the grits become soft and smooth, roughly 20 additional minutes. This step ensures the creamy texture that makes Southern-style grits so comforting and appealing.
4. Incorporate the drained pimientos, softened cream cheese, sharp Cheddar, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together until the cheeses fully melt and blend into a unified mixture. Finely chop the cooked bacon and fold it into the grits. Add the black pepper, give it a final stir, and it's ready to serve warm.
5. For preparing in advance, let the grits cool down completely, then cover and store in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in a covered dish with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes until piping hot throughout.

When pairing with Spicy Stewed Beef, transfer the grits to a 9-by-13-inch baking pan, ladle the beef mixture on top, and enjoy right away for a hearty, flavorful meal that highlights classic Southern combinations.

Imagine the smoky crunch of crispy bacon mingling with creamy, cheesy gritspimiento cheese grits like this are a Southern dream that'll have everyone at the table reaching for seconds! Stone-ground grits deliver that authentic, hearty texture, soaking up every bit of flavor as they simmer to velvety perfection. Stir in luxurious half-and-half for indulgence that feels like a warm hug, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Sweet diced pimientos add a vibrant tang and pop of color alongside sharp Cheddar, evoking homemade pimento cheese magic. Cream cheese melts in for silkiness, Dijon brings a playful kick, and fresh black pepper ties it all with spicy zing. Crispy bacon bits? Pure genius for texture and depth that elevates every spoonful.

Don't know grits? They're ground cornstone-ground for superior tastesimmering into a tender base ready for your favorite add-ins. This recipe shines with just 20 minutes active time, letting flavors bloom effortlessly. At 408 calories per serving, it's satisfyingly rich yet balanced, naturally gluten-free, and reheats like a champ for meal-prep wins.

Serve it under fried chicken, pot roast, or sunny eggs for brunch bliss. A true star in American Cuisine, these bacon-laced beauties scream comfort for holidays, suppers, or any night you crave Southern soul food that'll inspire your next kitchen adventure!

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