Fried Cheese Grits Recipes

Steps:

• Bring the water and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Whisk in the grits and continue to whisk for 1 minute. When the mixture comes to a boil again, turn the heat to low. Stir frequently, cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Remove the grits from the heat and add pepper, butter and cheese; mix well. Stir until the butter and cheese are melted.

Steps:

• 1. If you are starting from scratch, stir uncooked grits slowly into the boiling salted water over medium heat. Simmer grits 4-5 minutes until thickened.
• 2. Stir in the grated cheese until well blended and grits are uniform in color.
• 3. Spoon the grits into a greased square cake pan and smooth the top so it's all even. (If you are using leftover cheese grits, just press them flat into the cake pan.) Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
• 4. When grits are solid and cold, press a paper towel over the top to soak up any condensation. Cut into 9 to 12 squares.
• 5. Fry the squares in two to three batches. Heat about a third of the bacon grease or butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat (cast iron works best). Do not get the pan too hot. Also, use a spatter screen, because bacon grease really pops! Add more bacon grease for each batch.
• 6. Fry the squares of grits for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Flip over carefully to fry the other side. Remove to a napkin-lined serving plate and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Steps:

• Combine 3 1/2 cups water, the milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Slowly add the grits, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to low; cook, stirring often, until thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the cheese until melted; season with salt and pepper. Keep warm over very low heat.
• Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the carrots and cook until slightly softened, 2 minutes. Add the sugar snap peas and large scallion pieces; season with salt and toss. Add 2 tablespoons water, cover and simmer until the vegetables are crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the mustard. Transfer to a bowl and cover to keep warm.
• Wipe out the skillet and melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Crack in the eggs; season with salt and pepper. Cook until the whites start setting, about 3 minutes, then cover and cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, 1 to 2 more minutes. Top each serving of grits with a fried egg, the vegetables, parsley, dill and sliced scallion.

Steps:

• Chicken:
• Combine buttermilk, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and paprika in a large bowl or large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken thighs, cover bowl or seal bag, and toss to coat. Chill at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours.
• Grits:
• Bring 4 cups salted water to a boil and gradually add grits, whisking constantly. Cook, whisking occasionally, until grits are very tender and creamy, 25-30 minutes. Add cream cheese and Parmesan; whisk until melted and incorporated; season with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve.
• Frying and assembly:
• Whisk flour, cayenne, garlic powder, paprika, and 2 tsp. salt in a medium bowl.
• Remove chicken thighs from brine, letting excess drip off. Working in batches, dredge chicken in flour mixture, occasionally dipping your fingers in brine as you pack on flour to help create moistened, shaggy bits (the makings of a super-crisp crust); transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.
• Fit a large cast-iron skillet with thermometer and heat oil until thermometer registers 350°F. Working in batches and returning oil to 350°F between batches, fry chicken thighs, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and coating is deep golden brown and crisp, 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack set inside a baking sheet and let sit while you cook the kale.
• Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add kale in large handfuls, letting it cook down slightly before adding more and tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until wilted and bright green, about 2 minutes. Add vinegar and 1 Tbsp. pepper jelly and toss to coat.
• Divide grits evenly among bowls and top with kale, fried chicken, and more pepper jelly.