Hey there, y’all! Gather ’round, because today we’re diving into a warm, creamy, and cheesy bowl of Cauliflower Grits. They’re perfect for when you want a low-carb side dish (or a main!) without skimping on flavor. I’d say these cauliflower grits are so good, even Scarlett O’Hara would put down her Tara troubles for a bite. I ain’t lying, boos!

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A close up of creamy cauliflower grits with butter melted over it and sprinkles of pepper ready to serve

I get it, the low-carb journey can be tough, especially if you’ve got Southern roots and this cauliflower grits recipe is here to help ease the pain. I get it, Fried chicken, biscuits, and grits are staples! And grits, my spirit animal, work at any meal – breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Whether you like ’em with just butter and salt (my preference), a bit of sugar (some people actually enjoy this), baked with cheese and garlic, or with shrimp, they’re the ultimate comfort food. But what happens when you’re on keto, paleo, Whole30, or any low-carb diet that asks you to bid farewell to grits? Don’t worry, I’ve got the solution: this cauliflower grits recipe, baby!

What are Cauliflower Grits?

Cauliflower grits are, drumroll please… Grits made out of cauliflower! No but in all seriousness, cauliflower is like the jack-of-all-trades in the low-carb world – it can transform into anything from mashed potatoes to rice. Here, we’re making grits out of it, and spoiler alert: they’re as easy as pie! You can swap these cauliflower cheese grits into almost any recipe, and they’ll taste just as comforting as the classic version.

The Lowdown On Cauliflower Grits

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern
Primary Cooking Method: Microwave and Mixing
Dietary Info: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Paleo-Friendly, Whole30-Friendly
Key Flavor: Creamy and cheesy with a hint of garlic
Skill Level: Easy peasy!

Super Quick and Easy: Y’all, this recipe is a lifesaver. Just microwave that mashed cauliflower and mix in some goodies. You’ll have a mouthwatering side ready faster than you can say “grits”.
Cornmeal-Like Texture: These low carb cauliflower grits have a texture that’ll fool even the biggest cornmeal fans. The heavy cream plus the butter and the cheese makes it taste like the real deal!
Hearty and Filling: Even though it’s low-carb and healthy-ish, this dish sticks to your ribs. It’s hearty enough to keep you and your guests full and satisfied. Comfort food without the guilt, boos!
Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will dig this. The cheesy, creamy flavor is a hit with kids, and it’s a sneaky way to get ’em to eat their veggies.

Ingredients Needed To Make Cauliflower Grits

Frozen Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes: I start with frozen cauliflower mashed potatoes because it keeps the prep down and saves you a ton of time.
Salted Butter: Here’s where I start injecting flavor into the cauliflower! The richness of butter is essential to making grits amazing, plus, I won’t have to add additional salt later because I’m using salted butter.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: I usually go for mild or medium, but sharp works if you like a stronger flavor.
Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nice, nutty, deep taste. Can’t have my grits without it!
Heavy Whipping Cream: It not only thickens these cauliflower grits in the best way but also adds the most rich and decadent essence that I just can’t get enough of.
Garlic Powder: To me, it adds something special and also masks the cauliflower flavor more. These grits are something I use for savory dishes a lot of times but if you want to omit garlic powder, you totally can.

How to Make Cauliflower Grits

Zap your mashed cauliflower in the microwave following the package’s instructions.
Transfer that steaming cauliflower to a bowl. Whisk in butter, the duo of cheeses, a splash of heavy cream, and a hint of garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to your heart’s desire.
Dish out your creamy cauliflower grits and enjoy a healthier twist on classic grits!

An overhead of keto grits with melted butter and pepper ready to serve

Tips for making the best cauliflower cheese grits

Shred Your Own Cheese y’all: Trust me, take a few extra minutes to shred your cheese. Those pre-shredded bags have stuff in ’em that can mess with your grits’ creaminess.
Use Real Parmesan: Skip the canned Parmesan and grab a block of the real deal. Shredding it fresh gives your grits that extra punch of flavor.
No Cauliflower Rice: Stick with mashed cauliflower, boos. Cauliflower rice just won’t give you the texture we’re going for. You want that rich, velvety feel, and mashed cauliflower is da way to get it.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Taste as you go and make sure you’ve got enough salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cauliflower can be pretty bland on its own, so give it all the love it needs to shine!

Popular substitutions & additions

Cheesy Variations: Swap out the cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick. Sometimes, I mix in a bit of blue cheese when I’m feeling fancy.
Herb Additions: Add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for a burst of flavor. I love tossing in some chopped green onions for a bit of extra zing.
Protein Boost: Stir in some cooked bacon or sausage crumbles for heartier keto grits. Leftover rotisserie chicken also makes a great addition!
Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. Smoked paprika can also give it a nice smoky flavor.
Veggie Mix-Ins: Throw in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Maybe roasted garlic for an extra layer of flavor? It’s your call, boos!

How To Serve cheesy cauliflower grits

Southern Staples: Pair ‘em up with a juicy Mississippi pot roast or your favorite one, like an Italian pot roast or a good ol’ classic pot roast. The rich, savory flavors will have you sopping up every last bit.
Seafood Delights: Shrimp and grits, anyone? Or try ‘em with some crispy fried catfish for a real Southern seafood feast!
Breakfast Favorites: These grits go great with crispy bacon or sausage links. Add a fluffy omelet or scrambled eggs, and you’ve got a hearty breakfast that’ll kickstart your day!
Comfort Classics: How about some smothered chicken or pork chops? The savory gravy mixes perfectly with the creamy grits, making each bite pure comfort with a capital C.

How to store & reheat cauliflower grits

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, you can pop the cauliflower grits in the microwave or warm them gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Just add a splash of cream or milk to get them back to that creamy goodness.

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How long will cauliflower grits last in the fridge?

These grits will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use fresh cauliflower?
You sure can boos! Just steam the cauliflower until it’s tender, then mash it up really well to get a smooth texture. You might need to blend it to get it nice and creamy, just like the frozen version.

Can I make these grits dairy-free?
Yes ma’am! Substitute the butter with a good-quality olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. For the cheeses, use your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds, and swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or another non-dairy cream.

How do I keep my keto grits from getting watery?
Cook them a bit longer to evaporate some of the moisture. You can also add a little more cheese or a spoonful of cream cheese to help thicken ’em up.

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