What To Serve With Cheese Grits? 16 Best Side Dishes

Hello to all my food-loving friends! Today, we're turning our attention to a Southern favorite – cheese grits. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, cheese grits serve as a hearty and versatile dish, pairing well with a variety of foods.

Let's take a look at 16 delicious sides that I love serving with my cheese grits for a balanced, flavor-packed meal.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with cheese grits are ricotta, green beans with bacon, sausage and potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoked cod, pulled pork, coconut shrimp, egg bites, sauteed mushrooms, grilled asparagus, fried green tomatoes, cornbread, spinach salad, fried chicken, roasted Brussels sprouts, and collard greens.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Ricotta

The creamy, subtly sweet flavor of Ricotta makes it a perfect side dish with cheese grits. A dollop on top of your warm cheese grits not only looks delicious but adds an extra layer of creaminess. The mild sweetness of ricotta can help balance the robust flavor of the grits, giving your dish a new depth of flavor.

2. Green Beans with Bacon

This side dish is about the perfect blend of health and indulgence. Tender green beans sautéed with crispy bacon is not only flavorful but adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creaminess of the grits. The salty, savory notes of bacon are just what you need to elevate your cheese grits to the next level.

3. Sausage and Potatoes

There's something deeply comforting about the combination of sausage and potatoes. The spicy, juicy sausage pairs beautifully with hearty, earthy potatoes to create a side dish that's rich in flavors and textures. The creamy cheese grits serve as the perfect backdrop to let these flavors shine.

4. Scrambled Eggs

When you think of comfort food for breakfast, scrambled eggs and cheese grits likely come to mind. The soft, fluffy texture of scrambled eggs complements the creaminess of the grits, while their mild flavor provides a nice counterpoint to the richness of the cheese.

5. Smoked Cod

Smoked cod is a delightful surprise to serve with cheese grits. Its smoky flavor adds an exciting dimension to the grits, and the flaky texture of the cod provides a wonderful contrast to the creaminess of the grits. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate some seafood into your meal.

6. Pulled Pork

Adding pulled pork to your cheese grits can transform your meal into a hearty feast. The juicy, savory flavors of the pork go hand-in-hand with the creamy, cheesy grits, creating a combination that is both satisfying and packed full of flavor.

7. Coconut Shrimp

Adding some sweetness and crunch to your meal, coconut shrimp is an excellent side dish for cheese grits. The crispy, sweet coating of the shrimp complements the savory cheese grits, adding a unique and delicious contrast that you'll love.

8. Egg Bites

Bite-sized yet full of flavor, egg bites are a versatile side dish that goes well with cheese grits. Their soft, fluffy texture makes them a pleasure to eat, while their rich, savory flavor can stand up to the robust taste of the cheese grits.

9. Sauteed Mushrooms

Sauteed mushrooms bring an earthy flavor and a different texture to the table. Their unique, umami-rich taste and slightly chewy texture provide a nice contrast to the creamy, cheesy grits. Plus, they add a touch of elegance to your meal.

10. Grilled Asparagus

The slightly charred, smoky flavor of grilled asparagus makes it a fantastic partner for cheese grits. This simple side dish can bring a bit of color and crunch to your plate. The slight bitterness of asparagus can provide a balance to the rich and creamy grits. Plus, it's an easy and healthy option!

11. Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes bring an irresistible combination of textures to your table: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Their slightly tart flavor can contrast with the creamy, cheesy grits, making your meal even more dynamic. Just dip these crunchy slices into the grits, and you're in for a treat!

12. Cornbread

Cornbread and cheese grits share Southern roots, making them a match made in heaven. The sweet, crumbly cornbread can complement the creamy grits beautifully. Plus, it's perfect for soaking up any cheese sauce that's left on your plate, ensuring no deliciousness goes to waste.

13. Spinach Salad

A refreshing spinach salad can lighten up your meal with cheese grits. The crisp, fresh leaves, along with your favorite toppings and dressing, can offer a palate-cleansing freshness, balancing out the rich and heavy grits. Not to mention, it's a great way to sneak some greens into your meal!

14. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is another Southern classic that pairs perfectly with cheese grits. The crispy, golden skin and juicy, tender meat bring a comforting, familiar flavor that matches the heartiness of the grits. It’s a combination that promises pure satisfaction.

15. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted until they're caramelized and slightly crispy, Brussels sprouts make a flavorful side that pairs well with cheese grits. The sprouts' natural sweetness, brought out by roasting, provides a delicious contrast to the creamy, savory grits.

16. Collard Greens

Simmered until tender and usually flavored with a bit of bacon or ham, collard greens are a traditional Southern side that can stand up to cheese grits. Their slightly bitter flavor provides a nice counterpoint to the rich grits, while their silky texture contrasts with the grits' creaminess.

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