Pimento Cheese Grits combine two southern classics into one creamy, dreamy dish that will become a staple at your breakfast, brunch or dinner table.
Seriously… what is more Southern than pimento cheese? The only answer to that is grits. We love both down here, and I see no reason to not marry these two culinary masterpieces to make one quintessentially Southern side dish.
I do know that everyone has their own preferred grit texture, though, so be aware that this recipe will make thick, creamy, cheesy pimento cheese grits. If you prefer yours thinner, opt for a milk with less fat or add extra milk. Want it less cheesy? Feel free to use less pimento cheese.
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This really couldn’t be a simpler recipe. Basically, you’re going to start by making regular old grits. Be sure to use “Quick Grits” and when it gives you the option to use milk or water, always go with milk. With the brand I used, I brought 4 cups of milk to a simmer and then added in 1 cup of grits along with 1 tsp of salt. Doesn’t sound like enough salt? Don’t worry- you’ll make up for it with the Creole seasoning!

Give it a good whisk to make sure there are no clumps, and then stir it frequently until the grits are done to your liking- For me this took about 10 minutes. Whenever you’re satisfied, remove them from the heat.
Next, stir in the rest of your ingredients. Mix in the pimento cheese, butter, Tony Cachere’s, pepper, and crushed red pepper and you have pimento cheese grits!

Not sure whether to make your own pimento cheese or get it pre-made at the store? We think everything is better homemade, so if you have the time go ahead and whip up a batch of our Spicy Smoky Pimento Cheese.
We do realize everyone doesn’t have time for all that, though, so if you want to pick up a container of Proper Pepper Pimento Cheese or Pawley Island’s Palmetto Cheese, we won’t fault you for it.
*If you go with our recipe or or one of the other versions with jalapenos, be aware that you may want to leave out the crushed red pepper.
Whether you make your pimento cheese from scratch or buy it in the store, you will have some left over after making your pimento cheese grits, so here are our favorite ways to use it up:
- Serve on toast or crackers with bacon bourbon jam
- Super simple appetizers in mini phyllo cups (also with bacon)
- Serve with fried green tomatoes
- Combine pimento cheese, bacon bourbon jam, and fried green tomatoes into sandwiches called Spicy Southerners
- Serve it at happy hour on a Southern-themed appetizer board
- Make a pimento cheese ball for a party
- Make pimento cheese-stuffed sliders for dinner
Love all things southern food? Be sure to read about its history, ingredient origins and unique regions in Southern Food: Then & Now.

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Pimento Cheese Grits
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup Quick Grits
- t tsp salt
- 1/2 cup pimento cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Tony Cachere's
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper optional
Instructions
- Cook grits according to package directions with 4 cups whole milk and 1 tsp salt. This should take 10-15 mins.
- When grits are cooked to your liking, remove from heat and stir in remaining ingredients. Serve immediately!
Notes
Looking for more breakfast/brunch ideas?
Recipe soures we recommend:
Meal Plan Monday
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Fave Southern Recipes
What a creamy dish to try. Totally love the texture.
Thanks so much, Kushigalu.
I love grits!! This is a great side dish for bbq parties. I know it would be a hit with my guests.
Hope they all love it. Thanks, Gloria!
Oh my gosh, this dish is BRILLIANT! I love mashups of my favorite foods, and this one is so yummy!
Thanks so much!
Two of my families favorites in one dish. They are going to be so happy when I make this.
Ours too. Thanks!
Yum! I LOVE cheese! This recipe is so delicious and tasty! It’s my favorite!
Thank you!
I love pimiento cheese but I have never tried pimento cheese grits. They sound so good. I wish I could make some for my grandmother. I know she would have loved them too!
Awww… that’s so sweet that this recipe made you think of your grandmother. Thanks Scarlet!