Waffle House Grits Recipe

Waffle House grits Recipe are one of the tastiest and coziest dishes ever! These grits are smooth, creamy, and super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

Grits cook up fast and turn out rich and delicious every time. I love adding a big pat of butter and some melted cheese on top—so good!

They have the perfect mix of salty and creamy, making them a great side for eggs, bacon, or sausage. It’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor.

Follow this simple recipe, and you’ll have restaurant-quality grits at home in no time!

Difference Between White and Yellow Grits

Yellow grits are made from yellow corn and have a stronger corn flavor with a hint of sweetness. White grits are made from white corn and have a milder, more neutral taste.

Waffle House typically uses white grits, but either type works well in this recipe. It just depends on your personal taste or what’s available to you.

Waffle House Grits Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of quick grits – These are small, ground corn bits that cook fast (in about 5 minutes).
• 1 cup of water – Helps soften the grits and make them creamy.
• 2 dashes of salt – A tiny sprinkle (about 1/8 teaspoon) to bring out the flavor. Regular table salt works great.
• 2 tablespoons of butter – Makes the grits rich and tasty. Unsalted butter is best for controlling saltiness.
• 2 slices of cheese – American or cheddar cheese (about 1 ounce total) melts in and makes the dish gooey and delicious.
• 2 strips of bacon – Cooked crispy (about 2 ounces) and chopped for extra crunch and flavor.
• 2 eggs – Fresh large eggs add protein and make the dish creamy when scrambled with cheese.
• 1 pork sausage patty – About 2 ounces, pre-cooked. It adds a savory flavor that pairs well with grits.
• A pinch of salt and pepper – For seasoning the eggs.
• 1 teaspoon butter – Used to cook the eggs and keep them soft and creamy.

Easy Ingredient Substitutions

1. Quick-cooking grits: If you can’t find 5-minute grits, regular grits will work but need more cooking time (about 20-25 minutes). Avoid instant grits if possible.
2. American cheese: White or yellow cheddar cheese makes a good substitute, though the texture will be slightly different. Velveeta also works really well.
3. Butter: Margarine works in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. For a different flavor profile, try bacon grease instead of some of the butter.
4. Salt: Reduce the salt and add more herbs like thyme or parsley for flavor.
5. Add-ins: Feel free to skip any of the optional add-ins or replace them with your favorites like sautéed mushrooms, diced ham, or jalapeños.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Small pot: For boiling water and cooking the grits. Skillet: A medium one for bacon, sausage, and eggs. Mine’s nonstick so nothing sticks.
• Spoon: A wooden or plastic one to stir the grits and eggs. It won’t scratch my pans.
• Spatula: For flipping sausage and moving eggs around. I like a flat one.
• Measuring cup: To get the water and grits just right. A 1-cup size is perfect.
• Measuring spoons: For the butter and salt. I use a tablespoon and teaspoon set.
• Plate and bowl: To serve it all up when it’s done.

How To Make Waffle House Grits

Step 1 | Cook the Bacon

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place 2 strips of bacon in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until crispy. Remove the bacon and let it cool slightly. Chop it into small pieces and set aside.

Step 2 | Cook the Sausage

In the same skillet, place 1 pre-cooked sausage patty. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet, chop into small pieces, and set aside.

Step 3 | Boil the Water

Pour 1 cup of water into a small pot. Place over high heat and bring the water to a boil. Add 2 dashes of salt to enhance the flavor.

Step 4 | Cook the Grits

Once the water is boiling, slowly pour in 1/4 cup of quick grits while stirring continuously. Let them boil for 1 minute, then reduce the heat to medium.

Stir occasionally and let them simmer for about 5 minutes until thick and creamy.

Step 5 | Add Butter to the Grits

Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and well combined. Turn off the heat and cover the pot to keep the grits warm.

Step 6 | Scramble the Eggs

Crack 2 eggs into a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then whisk well. Heat a skillet over medium heat. If the pan is dry, add 1 teaspoon of butter.

Pour in the eggs and let them sit for 30 seconds. Gently stir by pulling the edges toward the center.

Place 2 slices of cheese on top while the eggs are still soft. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes until the eggs are creamy and fully cooked.

Step 7 | Assemble the Dish

Spoon the warm grits into a bowl. Top with the chopped bacon, sausage, and scrambled eggs. Enjoy.

Tips for Making Perfect Grits

• Use fresh butter for the best flavor.
• Don’t rush—let the grits simmer slowly for a creamy texture.
• If your grits get too thick, add a splash of milk or water to thin them out.
• Add more salt or butter if you want.

Best Ways to Enjoy Grits

1. Eggs any style – The creamy texture of grits pairs wonderfully with runny yolks, creating a rich and satisfying bite.
2. Crispy bacon or sausage – The salty, smoky flavor of bacon or sausage enhances the smooth, mild grits for a perfect balance.
3. Buttered toast – Dipping toast into warm, buttery grits or runny egg yolks adds texture and extra flavor to your meal.
4. Hot sauce – A splash of hot sauce cuts through the richness of grits, adding just the right amount of spice.
5. Shrimp and grits – Sautéed shrimp with Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, and onions bring bold, savory flavors to creamy grits.
6. Pulled pork grits bowl – Tender pulled pork with BBQ sauce and coleslaw on top creates a smoky, tangy, and creamy combination.
7. Country ham and red-eye gravy – This classic Southern dish pairs salty ham and coffee-based gravy with grits for a deep, savory taste.
8. Fried chicken and grits – Crispy, juicy fried chicken with smooth, buttery grits makes for a comforting food meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead Trick

I cook the grits and meat the night before, then keep them separate in the fridge. In the morning, I reheat the grits with a splash of water and fry the eggs fresh. Takes 5 minutes!

Storing Leftovers

I put leftover grits in a container with a lid and pop it in the fridge. They stay good for 2-3 days. Meats go in another container—same deal.

Reheating Methods

To warm up leftover grits from the fridge, add a little milk or water and heat them in the microwave at 50% power. Stir every 30 seconds until they are hot.

You can also reheat them on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding liquid to keep them smooth.

If your grits are frozen, it’s best to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Waffle House Grits Recipe FAQs

1. My grits turned out lumpy. What did I do wrong and how can I fix them?

Lumps happen when grits are added too quickly to boiling water or not stirred enough. To fix lumpy grits, whisk them vigorously or blend briefly.

For next time, add grits slowly to boiling water while constantly stirring and keep stirring throughout cooking to avoid lumps.

2. How can I make my homemade Waffle House grits even creamier?

For extra creamy grits, use a 4:1 water-to-grits ratio and cook on medium-low heat. Stir often and add up to 6 tablespoons of butter.

Replace milk with heavy cream or add extra cheese and finish with a splash of cream cheese for the creamiest texture possible.

3. How can I tell when my Waffle House grits are perfectly cooked?

Waffle House grits should be creamy, with a thick cream sauce-like texture. They should coat the back of a spoon and flow slowly when tilted.

After 5 minutes of cooking, taste a small amount to ensure they are soft with a slight bite, not gritty or hard.

4. How do I adjust cooking time for large batches?

For larger batches, use a bigger pot to prevent boil-overs and add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. Maintain the 4:1 liquid-to-grits ratio, and stir more frequently to avoid sticking.

Larger batches hold heat longer, so taste carefully to prevent overcooking and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Can I skip the cheese?

Totally! The grits are still yummy with just butter. Cheese just adds extra richness if you like it.