Perfectly creamy, rich, buttery and cheesy, these Cauliflower grits will rock your world if you are keto, paleo or Whole 30! You will never guess these are low carb keto grits!
The low carb journey can be difficult especially if you have Southern roots. I totally get it y’all. I love my fried chicken, biscuits and grits just like everyone else. The process of finding substitutes that truly work for your taste buds so you aren’t constantly thinking about what could be is the key.
I have written quite a few posts about grits. I consider grits my spirit animal, and they are the quintessential Southern side dish that works at breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. They work alone with butter and salt (my preference), with sugar (some people actually enjoy this), baked with cheese and garlic, and of course with shrimp.
Grits really go with so much but the problem is what happens when you are doing keto, paleo, Whole 30 or any other low carb diet that requires you to say goodbye to them? I’ve got the key!
Cauliflower grits!
What are Cauliflower Grits?
Cauliflower is one of the most versatile ingredients used in low carb diets. It can make just about anything ranging from mashed potatoes to rice.
Here, I use it to make grits. And easy grits too. The texture can be ground down smaller than what you would find with cauliflower rice making it cornmeal like.
They can also easily be replaced in so many different recipes but still taste as similar to grits as you can get.
Ingredients
Cauliflower has a very distinct taste but it is very adaptable and can truly take on any flavor you want to give it. Here I opt for a creamy, cheesy and garlicky taste and texture.
I start with frozen cauliflower mashed potatoes because it keeps the prep down and saves you a ton of time. The texture is also wonderful because it truly mimics the small granule texture of grits.
I pop these in the microwave and then we add additional flavor to it.
The ingredients that truly make a huge difference in changing the flavor are the following:
- Salted Butter
- Cheddar Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Garlic Powder
I use salted butter here to start injecting flavor. I won’t have to add additional salt later, and of course the richness of butter is essential to making grits amazing.
I opted for two different cheeses with two different flavors and melting points. It adds a depth of flavor to the grits.
Tip 1: If you have time, shred the cheese yourself. Pre Shredded cheeses have a chemical added to them that you want to avoid here.
Also Tip 2: Do not buy the canned parmesan cheese. You want to get a block of real parmesan cheese that can be shredded.
The heavy whipping cream is something I love adding to grits. It thickens them in the best way but also adds the most rich and decadent essence that I just can’t get enough of.
Finally, I add garlic powder. Now these grits are something I use for savory dishes a lot of times but if you want to omit this, you totally can. I find that it adds something special and also masks the cauliflower flavor more.
How to Make Cauliflower Grits
- Quick Prep: Zap your mashed cauliflower in the microwave following the package’s guidance.
- Mix It Up: Transfer that steaming cauliflower to a bowl. Gracefully whisk in butter, a delightful duo of cheeses, a splash of heavy cream, and a hint of garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to your heart’s desire.
- Serve & Savor: Dish out your creamy cauliflower creation and enjoy a healthier twist on classic grits!
Tips for Keto Grits
Here are some amazing tips for making these “grits” just about anything you would like:
Make It Your Own!
Feel free to change the cheeses and spices to truly make this something special. You will want to go with cheeses that melt well so they blend into the grits seamlessly.
Avoid Substituting Cauliflower Rice
You definitely want to go with cauliflower mashed potatoes here because the texture is finer. I find that everything blends in much easier and better.
Make Them From Scratch
If you don’t want to go the frozen route, you can easily make these by adding chucks of a cauliflower head to a food processor and chopping it up super fine.
Favorite Grits Recipes
- Keto Shrimp and Grits
- Baked Cheese Grits
- Classic Cheese Grits
- Shrimp Scampi and Grits
- Grillades and Grits
Cauliflower Grits
Ingredients
- 24 oz frozen cauliflower mashed potatoes 2 (12 oz) each packages
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese we use mild or medium but feel free to use sharp if you prefer it
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder feel free to go up to 1/2 tsp but taste as you go along
Instructions
- Cook mashed cauliflower in the microwave according to the package.
- Add contents to a bowl then whisk in butter, both cheeses, heavy cream, garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste.
Judy says
Is it the additions to the cauliflower mashed potatoes that make these taste like grits versus mashed potatoes? I am definitely craving some shrimp and grits (keto style!)
Laurie says
So good!! A huge hit!
Jennifer says
This was just wonderful! Definitely going into the rotation. Thank you so much!
Linda says
I want to blend cauliflower in my food processor until a fine texture like grits texture and steam them and cook them as I would grits ,is that possible, then add butter salt pepper cheese or whatever just saying I really like to do this thank you for the response
Leslie Kiszka says
I’m loving this paleo take on grits! Lord knows I love a good pile of classic, southern grits – but I think my waistline will thank me for these 😉
SHANIKA says
Wow! I honestly couldn’t tell that this was made out of cauliflower! This looks so creamy and delish!
Deepika Haldankar says
It is a brilliant idea to use cauliflower. I love grits and yes it is a versatile dish. I can’t wait to try this recipe. Saving it for the future.
Anita says
This is so smart! Using cauliflower rice for grits is a great move for a low-carb grit option. 🙂
Marie-Charlotte Chatelain says
OMG these look so creamy and simply fantastic! love the idea of adding some cheddar cheese! SO GOOD with chicken!
jean says
Now why have I never thought of this? After doing keto for almost 2 years and having a good supply of shrimp crying out for grits, it never occurred to me that cauli mash resembled grits. I just made this for a quick breakfast and will definitely add to my repertoire.