Swift Hamster-made Porridge
Crave some rib-stickin' breakfast goodness? Hank Williams Jr. ain't kiddin' when he croons about ham and grits. We've added a bit of a modern twist to this classic meal with some cheddar cheese and hot sauce for a quick and filling start to your day.
Get right to it by shredding the cheese and dicing the ham the night before (3/4 cup preshredded cheddar will do the trick). Headed to the grocery store? Grab a fully cooked or smoked ham steak from the deli section.
This scrumptious meal is part of our Quick Hot Breakfasts in 15 Minutes.
- Yield: 2 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total: 15 mins
Recipe Ingredients (11)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup small-dice, fully cooked ham (about 2 ounces)
- 1/3 cup white or yellow grits (not instant)
- 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium scallion
- Hot sauce, such as Cholula or Tabasco
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the water, milk, butter, salt, and pepper over medium-high heat, stirring until it simmers.
- Heat the oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add the ham and cook, occasionally stirring, until it's browned on all sides (about 5-6 minutes). Remove the pan from heat and set it aside.
- In the simmering milk mixture, whisk in the grits and bring to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute without stirring, then cover and remove from heat, allowing it to sit for about 7 minutes until the grits are tender.
- Shred the cheese on the large holes of a box grater and thinly slice the white and light green parts of the scallion.
- When the grits are ready, uncover and stir, ensuring all the liquid is incorporated. Stir until smooth. Sprinkle with two-thirds of the cheese and stir until melted. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Divide the grits between 2 bowls, sprinkle with the remaining third of the cheese. Top with the reserved ham and scallions, then add a few dashes of hot sauce. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- Prepping ahead: Shred the cheese and dice the ham the night before for a breeze in the morning.
- Cooking variations: Try out different flavors like Poblano or Spicy Hammy Grits by adding roasted poblanos, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes (check out the enrichment section below).
Serving Alternatives
- Breakfast Bowl: Heap on more ham, bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fried egg.
- Brunch or Lunch: Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Dinner Side: Serve alongside grilled meats or as part of a Southern-tinged feast.
Spicy Poblano Hammy Grits Variation
Ingredients:- 1 cup grits- 4 cups water or chicken broth- 2 tablespoons butter- 1/2 cup diced cooked ham- Salt and pepper to taste- 1 roasted poblano pepper, finely diced- Shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, or diced peppers (optional)
Instructions:1. Prepare the Grits: In a medium saucepan, combine the grits and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until the grits are creamy, about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally.2. Roast the Poblanos: Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) until charred (usually 15 minutes). Peel, chop, and add to the grits along with the ham.3. Add Butter and Stir: Once the grits are cooked, stir in the butter until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.4. Optional Additions: If desired, add shredded cheddar cheese until melted, and sprinkle with green onions or diced peppers for additional flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate)
Per serving (assuming 4 servings):- Calories: 250-300- Protein: 15-20g- Fat: 10-12g- Carbohydrates: 30-35g- Fiber: 1-2g- Sodium: 400-500mg
- The ham and grits dish, with a modern twist, falls under our Quick Hot Breakfasts in 15 Minutes, an easy-to-follow category.
- Prioritize your preparation by shredding the cheddar cheese and dicing the ham a day ahead, a useful pro tip to quicken your morning routine.
- This rib-stickin' breakfast option, with its added nutrients from the combined ingredients such as ham, grits, milk, and cheese, qualifies as an uncategorized recipe within the nutrition realm.
- Side your grits bowl with a simple recipe variation like Spicy Poblano Hammy Grits for an exciting breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner side dish.
