Creamy Microwave Grits: The Easiest Garlic & Cheese Recipe for Quick Comfort Food

Whether you grew up with it as a cherished Southern breakfast staple, a comforting side dish, or a flavorful Creole classic during Mardi Gras celebrations, grits hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many. This humble, hearty dish brings a sense of homey satisfaction with every spoonful. However, if the thought of standing over a stove, constantly stirring and tending to a pot of bubbling grits makes you hesitant, you’re in for a treat! This guide will teach you how to make incredibly fast, wonderfully easy, and irresistibly creamy microwave grits, infused with the delightful flavors of garlic and sharp cheddar cheese. Get ready to enjoy perfectly cooked grits without the fuss, anytime you crave them.

Why You’ll Love This Effortless Microwave Grits Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with making grits in your microwave. This method takes all the stress out of preparing this classic dish, making it accessible even on the busiest mornings or evenings.

• Unbeatable Convenience & Speed: Forget the traditional stovetop method that demands constant stirring and vigilant attention to prevent sticking and burning. With this microwave grits recipe, you can achieve perfectly cooked grits in generally just 15-20 minutes, depending on your microwave’s wattage and the type of grits you use. Most of this time is hands-off, allowing you to multitask or simply relax. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, satisfying meal.
• Effortless Cleanup: Say goodbye to stacks of pots and pans! This recipe requires only one microwave-safe bowl for cooking. Fewer dishes mean less time spent scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious meal. We won’t judge if you decide to eat your creamy grits right out of the cooking bowl to save even more cleanup time!
• No More Burnt Grits: One of the biggest frustrations with stovetop grits is the dreaded burned bottom, which not only ruins the flavor but also makes cleanup a nightmare. With microwave grits, this common pitfall is virtually eliminated. You won’t have to worry about scraping stubborn, charred bits off your pan ever again – a truly liberating experience for any grits lover!
• Incredibly Versatile: While grits are often associated with breakfast, these garlic and cheese microwave grits are so quick and easy to prepare that you can enjoy them at any meal. They make a fantastic, warm breakfast to kickstart your day, but they’re equally incredible when served with savory additions like smoked sausage, grilled shrimp, crispy bacon, or even a fried egg. This recipe offers a foundational, flavorful base that can be customized to suit any craving or occasion.
• Perfect for Beginners: If you’re new to cooking grits, the microwave method is remarkably forgiving. The simple steps and reduced risk of burning make it an ideal starting point for anyone wanting to master this Southern comfort food.

Since these creamy microwave grits are so incredibly easy to make, they seamlessly fit into any meal plan. Whether you’re looking for a quick, comforting breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a unique savory side for dinner, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Its convenience means you can enjoy that comforting, homey flavor anytime you wish, without the usual fuss.

Shopping List: Essential Ingredients for Your Microwave Grits

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to enjoying these incredibly easy and flavorful microwave grits. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring just a few staple items to create a truly satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need to make these creamy garlic and cheese grits:

• ½ cup grits (such as Quaker quick 5-minute grits)
• 3 cups water, milk, or chicken stock (or a combination thereof)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp butter (salted is preferred for flavor)
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for a subtle kick)
• Additional toppings or garnishes as desired (like green onions or black pepper)

How to Cook Creamy Grits in the Microwave: Step-by-Step Guide

Making delicious, creamy grits in the microwave is surprisingly simple and requires minimal effort. Follow these easy steps to achieve perfect garlic and cheese grits every time:

1. To a large microwave-safe bowl (I recommend one that is at least 4 quarts, preferably 5.8 quarts, to prevent any overflow during cooking), combine your grits, your chosen liquids (water, milk, or chicken stock, or a combination thereof), salt, and garlic powder. This initial mixture forms the foundation of your flavorful grits.

2. Thoroughly stir all the ingredients together. This crucial step ensures that the grits are evenly distributed within the liquid and prevents any dry spots or clumps from forming, which can lead to uneven cooking and a less desirable texture. Mix until everything is well combined and the garlic powder is fully incorporated.

3. Place the uncovered bowl into your microwave and cook on high for 15 minutes. It is essential to leave the bowl uncovered to allow steam to escape and the liquid to evaporate effectively, preventing soupy grits. During this cooking period, pause to stir the grits every 5 minutes. Regular stirring helps maintain an even temperature, prevents sticking to the bottom, and ensures a consistently creamy texture throughout.
4. Monitor the consistency closely during cooking. If your grits appear to be getting too thick or drying out, add up to ½ cup more hot water (or your preferred liquid) and stir well before continuing to cook. Conversely, if after the initial 15 minutes your grits still seem too thin or watery, continue cooking them for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring every minute, until they reach your desired creamy consistency. Remember that grits will thicken slightly as they cool and rest.

5. Once the grits are fully cooked and have reached a tender, creamy texture (see expert tips below for checking doneness), immediately add the butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese while they are still hot. Stir vigorously until both the butter and cheese are completely melted and beautifully incorporated into the grits, creating a rich, smooth, and flavorful consistency.

6. If you desire a subtle kick and enhanced flavor, add the hot sauce (optional) now. Stir it in thoroughly to combine evenly throughout the grits.

7. Your creamy microwave grits are now ready! Top them with your favorite garnishes, such as sliced green onions, fresh black pepper, or any other desired additions, or simply enjoy them as is. Serve immediately and savor the effortless comfort!

What to Serve With These Delicious Microwave Grits

These creamy garlic and cheese microwave grits are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide array of dishes, transforming them from a simple side into the star of the meal. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to inspire your next culinary creation:

For a Hearty Southern Breakfast or Brunch:

• Breakfast sausage: Patties or links, cooked to perfection.
• Smoked sausage: Adds a rich, savory depth.
• Bacon: Crispy strips or crumbled bacon bits. Try our microwave turkey bacon for another quick option.
• Runny egg: Fried, poached, or scrambled eggs pair beautifully with creamy grits.
• Biscuits: A classic Southern combination for dipping and soaking up flavor.
• Gravy: Sausage gravy or a simple sawmill gravy takes grits to the next level.
• Fresh fruit: A refreshing contrast to the rich, savory grits.
• Honey or Maple syrup: For those who enjoy a sweet and savory contrast with their breakfast grits.

For a Flavorful Lunch or Dinner:

• Shrimp and grits: The ultimate Southern comfort food! Sautéed shrimp with a little spice and a rich sauce atop creamy grits.
• Fried fish: Such as our easy air fryer frozen breaded fish or crispy cornmeal catfish nuggets. The crispy texture complements the creamy grits.
• Barbecue ribs or Pulled pork: The smoky, tender meats are a perfect match for the rich grits.
• Etouffee: A classic Creole dish that is often served over rice, but is equally delicious over grits.
• Fried okra: A popular Southern side dish that adds a delightful crunch.
• Collard greens: A hearty, flavorful green vegetable that offers a perfect balance.
• Succotash: A colorful and sweet vegetable medley that adds freshness.
• Air fryer kielbasa: Our tasty air fryer kielbasa offers a quick and easy protein pairing.
• Roasted air fryer ratatouille: For a vibrant and healthy vegetable option, try our roasted air fryer ratatouille.
• Air fryer frozen sausage patties: Another convenient protein option using our air fryer frozen sausage patties recipe.

No matter what you choose, these versatile garlic and cheese microwave grits will elevate your meal with their comforting texture and savory flavor.

Recipe Expert Advice for Perfect Microwave Grits

Achieving perfectly creamy and delicious microwave grits is simple with a few insider tips. These expert recommendations will help you navigate common pitfalls and ensure your grits turn out wonderfully every time.

• To check for doneness of your grits, take a very small spoonful and allow it to cool slightly before tasting. Chew it gently. If the texture is still gritty, sandy, or resistant, your grits are not quite ready and need a little more cooking time. If, however, they feel smooth, tender, and squishy against your palate, then they’re perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed. The corn texture should be completely softened.
• It’s critically important to not cover the bowl in the microwave during cooking. This might seem counterintuitive, as covering often helps retain moisture in other microwave recipes. However, for grits, an uncovered bowl allows essential steam to release. This controlled evaporation is crucial for the liquid to reduce and the grits to thicken properly. If you cover the bowl, the steam will condense back into the grits, resulting in a soupy, watery texture that won’t achieve that desired creamy consistency. This is also why using a large bowl (at least 4-5 quarts) is vital – it provides enough headspace to prevent boil-overs as the grits bubble and expand.
• The specified cooking time in this recipe (15-20 minutes) is based on a standard 1000W microwave. Microwave wattages can vary significantly, typically ranging from 700W to 1200W. If your microwave has a lower wattage (e.g., 700-800W), you will likely need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Conversely, if you have a higher wattage microwave (e.g., 1100-1200W), you might find your grits cook slightly faster. Always adjust the cooking time up or down slightly as needed, paying attention to the grits’ consistency.
• Keep in mind that cooked grits will thicken slightly as they rest for a few minutes after coming out of the microwave. The starches continue to absorb moisture, leading to a denser texture. If you pull your grits out and think they are almost, but not quite, at your desired thickness, avoid putting them back in for more cooking. Often, they will reach that perfect consistency on their own as they sit.
• If you add your butter and cheese too late, or if your grits have cooled down too much before you incorporate them, the butter and cheese might not melt smoothly. If you find your dairy remaining stubbornly solid, you can simply pop the bowl back into the microwave for another 30-60 seconds. This will gently reheat the grits, allowing the butter and cheese to melt beautifully and blend into a creamy, luscious finish.
• To prevent lumps in your grits, the initial stir after combining the dry grits and liquid is vital. Stir well to ensure every grit particle is moistened before cooking begins. During the cooking process, the intermittent stirring every 5 minutes also helps break up any potential clumps and promotes even hydration and cooking, resulting in a silky-smooth texture.

Final Thoughts on Creamy Microwave Grits

In a world where time is a precious commodity, these super easy microwave grits offer a delightful solution to enjoy a truly comforting classic without the usual fuss and long cooking times. By taking all the hard parts out of traditional grits preparation, this recipe gets you to the best part—eating—that much sooner! The convenience and simplicity make it an absolute game-changer for anyone craving that rich, creamy texture and hearty flavor.

Whether you’re planning a festive Mardi Gras celebration and need the perfect accompaniment for some succulent shrimp, or you’re simply looking for a warm and satisfying start to your day with a fried egg and crispy bacon, these microwave grits are incredibly versatile. You truly can’t go wrong no matter how you choose to enjoy them!

But for me, the rich, savory depth of the garlic and sharp cheddar cheese combination is by far my favorite flavor pairing. It creates a dish that is both comforting and incredibly satisfying, proving that quick and easy can also be utterly delicious. Give this recipe a try, and discover your new favorite way to make grits!