Skip to main content

Creamy Stone-Ground Grits

These creamy stone-ground grits are the ultimate comfort food, offering a smooth, velvety texture and a deeply satisfying savoury flavour. Unlike quick-cooking varieties, stone-ground grits retain the heart of the corn, providing a superior bite and a more complex, toasted aroma. By slow-cooking them in a mix of whole milk and water, you achieve a luxury finish that makes this dish a standout accompaniment for both breakfast and dinner.

As a versatile vegetarian side dish, these grits are perfect for soaking up rich sauces or serving alongside poached eggs and roasted vegetables. This recipe prioritises technique, using a simple skimming method to ensure the cleanest flavour and most refined texture. Whether you are seeking a comforting alternative to mash or a warming brunch staple, these homemade grits deliver a premium, restaurant-quality result every time.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Creamy Stone-Ground Grits

  • 950ml water

  • 950ml whole milk

  • 475ml white stone-ground grits

  • 120ml double cream

  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter (optional), cut into pieces

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

How to make Creamy Stone-Ground Grits

Bring water and milk just to a simmer in a 4- to 5-quart heavy saucepan. Meanwhile, cover grits with water in a large bowl and whisk vigorously. Let stand 30 seconds, then skim any chaff that has floated to surface with a fine-mesh sieve. Drain grits well in a fine-mesh sieve and whisk into simmering milk mixture.

Reduce heat to low and simmer grits, partially covered, stirring often with a heatproof rubber spatula, until grits are tender and thickened to the consistency of loose oatmeal, about 1 1/4hours (stir more toward end of cooking to avoid scorching). If grits become too thick before they are tender and creamy, thin with hot water (about 120ml ).

Stir in cream, butter (if using), and salt. Remove from heat and keep warm, covered, up to 20 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.