If you are ready to dive into something rich, comforting, and downright delicious, this Creamy Parmesan Rice Grits Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine tender rice grits slowly soaked in savory chicken broth, swimming in luxuriously smooth half-and-half, and finished off with sharp, nutty Parmesan cheese that melts into every bite. This dish strikes the perfect balance between creamy and hearty, making it an ideal side or a cozy solo meal. Whether you’re craving a simple weeknight supper or a sophisticated comfort food moment, these creamy grits will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Creamy Parmesan Rice Grits Recipe comes down to a few, simple ingredients that each add their special touch. These essentials work together to bring out a beautiful texture, rich flavor, and inviting color that make this dish irresistible.
- Rice grits: The base of this recipe that transforms into tender, creamy goodness when cooked correctly.
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Half and half: Used in two stages to create that signature luscious creaminess without being too heavy.
- Salt: A pinch to bring out all the other flavors perfectly.
- Butter: Provides richness and a silky texture.
- Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that delivers sharp, nutty flavor and help with the creamy finish.
- Black pepper: Just a subtle touch for balancing the richness.
- Rosemary: Offers an aromatic, herbaceous note that complements the cheese wonderfully.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Rice Grits Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Bring to a Boil
Start by placing your rice grits, chicken broth, one cup of half and half, salt, and butter into a large pan. Bring this mixture up to a vigorous boil, which will kick-start the softening of the grits while blending flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Simmer Until Tender
After the boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Allow the grits to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the liquid to be fully absorbed and the grits to become tender and creamy; this slow simmer is where the magic unfolds.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, the remaining ¾ cup of half and half, black pepper, and rosemary. The cheese melts into the warm grits, creating that luscious, cheesy texture, while the herbs and spices elevate the flavor to another level.
Step 4: Adjust Creaminess
If you prefer an even creamier consistency, add in more half and half little by little until the texture suits your taste perfectly. This step lets you make the dish exactly as rich as you want it—a truly customizable comfort food.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Rice Grits Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching and flavorful finish, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives atop the grits. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty snap, while a drizzle of melted butter can intensify the richness. These simple garnishes elevate your presentation and tantalize the senses.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Parmesan Rice Grits Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted chicken, seared shrimp, or even a hearty vegetable medley. The creamy texture of the grits complements bold, savory proteins and bright sides, making every bite balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the grits in charming ramekins or shallow bowls for an elegant touch, perfect for dinners with guests. You can also layer them with a bit of sautéed mushrooms and a poached egg for a stunning brunch option. Experimenting with different toppings brings a fresh twist to this classic dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Parmesan Rice Grits Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The grits will firm up but remain flavorful and comforting when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the grits in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When freezing, avoid adding extra dairy afterward, as it is better to add creaminess fresh during reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of half and half or milk to loosen up the texture. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of rice grits?
Rice grits have a coarser texture than regular rice, which gives this dish its unique creaminess. Using regular rice will change the texture and may not result in the same silky finish, but you can try using medium-grain rice if rice grits are unavailable.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth of good quality to keep the dish flavorful without meat. The Parmesan and butter maintain the rich taste, making it a delicious vegetarian option.
How can I make this Creamy Parmesan Rice Grits Recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, swap out chicken broth for vegetable broth, replace the half and half with a creamy plant-based milk such as cashew or oat milk, and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delightful.
What should I do if the grits are too thick after cooking?
If the grits become too thick, simply stir in a little extra half and half or warm broth to loosen them up. Adding gradually will let you control the creaminess perfectly without making the dish watery.
Can I add other cheeses to this recipe?
Definitely! While Parmesan is classic here, feel free to add cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Pecorino Romano for extra flavor complexity. Just keep in mind how each cheese melts and balances with the rosemary and other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Rice Grits Recipe is a true celebration of comfort food done right. With its simple ingredients and luxurious texture, it’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy cheesy, creamy grits that warm the heart and delight the palate.
Print
Creamy Parmesan Rice Grits Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy and savory Parmesan Rice Grits cooked on the stovetop, perfect for a comforting side dish or a hearty breakfast. This recipe uses rice grits simmered in chicken broth and half-and-half, enriched with Parmesan cheese and fragrant rosemary for a deliciously creamy texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup rice grits
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1¾ cup half and half (divided)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp butter
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese
- â…› tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp rosemary
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pan, add the rice grits, chicken broth, 1 cup half-and-half, salt, and butter. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Cook until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice grits become tender and creamy.
- Finish the Grits: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, the remaining ¾ cup of half-and-half, black pepper, and rosemary, mixing well to combine all the flavors thoroughly.
- Adjust Creaminess: If needed, add additional half-and-half to reach your preferred creaminess level before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken broth for a richer flavor, but vegetable broth can be substituted for a milder taste.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the rice grits from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper to taste.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of half-and-half or milk to restore creaminess.
