Waffle House Grits Recipe

Golden, creamy, and downright comforting, Waffle House grits are one of those Southern classics that keep people coming back for more. Known for their simple yet irresistible flavor, these grits are a staple on the Waffle House menu and a favorite breakfast side for anyone who craves warm, hearty comfort food.

Making them at home means you can enjoy that same restaurant-style taste whenever you like, without leaving your kitchen. In this guide, we’ll share exactly how to make a Waffle House grits recipe that turns out smooth, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned every single time.

Whether you’re pairing them with eggs, bacon, or enjoying them all on their own, these creamy grits are sure to become a go-to breakfast dish in your home. This step-by-step recipe is beginner-friendly, quick to prepare, and captures the authentic flavor Waffle House fans know and love.

My Personal Experience With This Waffle House Grits Recipe

The first time I made these Waffle House-style grits, I was blown away by how creamy and flavorful they turned out. It’s amazing how such simple ingredients water, grits, cream, and cheese can come together to create something so comforting.

I love whisking the grits slowly as they cook, a step my mom always called “whipping your grits.” It takes patience, but the end result is totally worth it. The texture becomes silky and smooth, making every bite heavenly.

Adding a mix of cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan cheeses along with a little butter and black pepper elevates the flavor to a whole new level. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never want instant grits again!

Ingredients Required for Waffle House Grits Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Waffle House Grits

• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1–2 cups cheese (cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Black pepper (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Medium saucepan
2. Whisk
3. Lid for saucepan
4. Measuring cups & spoons
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Serving bowl

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Copycat Waffle House Grits Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Waffle House Grits in a delicious way.

Step 1. Boil Water and Season: Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and your favorite seasoning. This sets the base for flavorful grits.

Step 2. Whisk in the Grits: Slowly pour in your grits while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until fully combined and smooth. This is crucial for creamy texture.

Step 3. Simmer on Low Heat: Cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to very low. Let the grits cook for 20–30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Quick grits still need this slow simmer to develop a rich texture.

Step 4. Add Heavy Cream: Once the grits are thick and almost lumpy, slowly whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream. This step, called “whipping your grits,” transforms them into silky, smooth perfection.

Step 5. Incorporate Cheese and Butter: Mix in 1–2 cups of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, or a combination). Stir until fully melted. Then add 2 tablespoons of butter and optional black pepper, blending everything until creamy and rich.

Step 6. Serve and Garnish: Plate the grits hot, adding extra butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for presentation. Serve immediately while warm and creamy for that authentic Waffle House experience.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Waffle House Grits

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Waffle House Grits deliciously

1. With Crispy Bacon
We love topping these creamy grits with a few strips of golden, crispy bacon. The salty crunch against the smooth grits? Pure magic.

2. Fried or Poached Eggs
One of our favorite breakfasts is grits with a perfectly fried or poached egg on top. Break that yolk, let it mingle with the cheese, and you’ve got breakfast heaven.

3. Grilled Sausage Links
Serve alongside spicy or sweet sausage links. The savory, smoky flavors really balance the richness of the grits beautifully.

4. Sautéed Shrimp
Honestly, shrimp and grits is a classic for a reason. We like lightly seasoned shrimp sautéed in garlic butter right on top it’s indulgence with every bite.

5. With Pan-Seared Chicken
For a dinner twist, pair creamy grits with a juicy, pan-seared chicken breast. The grits soak up all the flavors and make it feel like comfort food royalty.

6. Smothered with Gravy
Sometimes we just go all out and pour warm sausage or country gravy over our grits. It’s cozy, hearty, and impossible to resist.

7. Topped with Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions bring a sweet-savory depth that makes the grits taste next-level. We often add a little fresh thyme too.

8. Mixed with Roasted Vegetables
We love stirring roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms into the grits for a colorful, veggie-packed meal.

9. With a Side of Collard Greens
Classic Southern style! Creamy grits with garlicky, tangy collard greens on the side is a combo we keep coming back to.

10. Sprinkled with Hot Sauce
And sometimes, we like to kick it up a notch. A few dashes of hot sauce on cheesy grits? Game changer. Totally our guilty pleasure.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Waffle House Grits Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Use a big pot
Grits can bubble up, so don’t crowd them. A medium or large pot works best.

2. Whisk slowly
When you add grits to boiling water, stir slowly. This keeps lumps away and makes them smooth.

3. Keep the heat low
Cook on very low heat. High heat can make grits stick or burn.

4. Stir often
Check your grits and stir every few minutes so they don’t stick to the bottom.

5. Be patient
Even quick grits need 20–30 minutes to get creamy. Don’t rush it.

6. Add cream slowly
Pour in the heavy cream little by little and whisk. This makes them extra smooth.

7. Mix in cheese carefully
Let the cheese melt slowly so the grits stay creamy and rich.

8. Butter makes it better 
Don’t skip the butter! It makes the grits taste super yummy.

9. Taste and season
Try a little black pepper or extra salt if you like. Everyone likes it a bit different.

10. Serve hot
Grits taste best warm. Add a little extra butter or cheese on top before serving for a special touch.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Waffle House Grits Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

FAQs on this Copycat Waffle House Grits Recipe

When you give this Waffle House Grits Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. Can I use instant grits instead of quick grits?

We’ve tried both, and quick grits give the best texture. Instant grits cook faster but can be a bit mushy. Quick grits give you that creamy, rich feel we love.

2. Do I have to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream makes the grits extra smooth and rich. We’ve used milk before, but it’s just not the same indulgent experience.

3. What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar is our favorite, but mixing in Swiss or Parmesan adds extra flavor. Honestly, whatever cheese you have in the fridge works!

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! We’ve stored leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream so they stay creamy.

5. How do I prevent lumps?

Whisk slowly when adding grits to boiling water and keep stirring as they cook. That’s our secret to perfectly smooth grits every time.

6. Can I skip the butter?

You can, but we think butter makes the grits taste amazing. A little extra butter on top before serving is totally worth it.

7. How long do these grits take to cook?

Even though we’re using quick grits, we cook them 20–30 minutes on low heat. Patience is key for creamy perfection.

8. Can I add spices or herbs?

Absolutely! We like black pepper, a pinch of paprika, or even parsley for color. It really elevates the dish.

9. Can I make it dairy-free?

We’ve experimented with almond or oat milk instead of cream and non-dairy cheese. It works okay, but it won’t be as creamy as the classic version.

10. What’s the best way to serve these grits?

From our experience, they’re amazing with eggs, bacon, shrimp, or just extra cheese and butter. Hot and creamy is the way to go!

This Waffle House grits recipe is a game-changer for anyone craving creamy, cheesy comfort food. Perfectly smooth, rich, and flavorful, it’s a dish that will impress family and friends alike. Don’t wait try making these grits today and experience southern comfort in every bite. Share your results and let us know how you customize your cheesy masterpiece!

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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