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Cheesy Bacon Grits

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G is for Grits!

Cheesy Bacon Grits with Pepper Jack cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions, creamy and melty for a Southern-style breakfast, brunch, or hearty side dish.
 
Made with Quaker Old Fashioned Grits, milk, butter and melty Pepper Jack cheese, this comforting Southern classic is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

What You'll Need

  • 1 cup Quaker Old Fashioned Grits
  • 2 cups water + 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Tip: Old-fashioned or stone-ground grits give a hearty, creamy texture. Quick-cooking grits work too but finish softer.

How To Make Them

1. Cook the grits: In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups water and 2 cups milk to a boil with 1 teaspoon salt. Slowly whisk in 1 cup Quaker Old Fashioned Grits. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the grits are smooth and creamy, about 20–25 minutes.
2. Add butter and cheese: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tablespoons butter until melted, then fold in 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese until fully melted and smooth.

3. Assemble and garnish: Spoon hot grits into bowls. Top with the cooked and crumbled bacon and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped green onions over the top. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately: Enjoy while hot for the best flavor and texture.

FAQ

Can I use just water instead of milk?
Yes! Using all water works fine. Your grits will be slightly less rich, but still flavorful and delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Grits are best served fresh. If you need to make ahead, cook them fully, then gently reheat with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.

Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Pepper Jack adds a little spice, but Colby Jack, sharp cheddar, or a mix of cheeses will work well too.

What can I use instead of green onions?
Chives are a great alternative for garnish, or a sprinkle of parsley for color.

Can I omit the bacon?
Yes! The recipe shines with bacon’s smoky, savory flavor, but you can leave it out or try alternatives like diced ham, pancetta, or a plant-based bacon for a vegetarian option.

 

Here’s a look back at the recipes we shared for the letter G in previous challenges:

Thanks again to Wendy for hosting the challenge! This is our third time working through the alphabet, and you can follow along with the recipes we’re sharing this year right here: Alphabet Challenge 2026. Scroll down to see what the other bloggers are sharing for the letter G.


Cheesy Bacon Grits

Cheesy Bacon Grits
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Quaker Old Fashioned Grits
  • 2 cups water + 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring 2 cups water and 2 cups milk to a boil with 1 tsp salt in a large saucepan. Whisk in 1 cup Quaker Old Fashioned Grits. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, 20–25 min.
  2. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 tbsp butter and 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack until melted.
  3. Divide grits into bowls. Top with cooked, crumbled bacon and 2 tbsp chopped green onions. Season with freshly cracked black pepper.
  4. Serve immediately.
cheesy pepper jack bacon grits
Side dish,
American



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By Jolene Martinelli, Jolene's Recipe Journal

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