From the moment the aroma of simmering grits and savory ham filled my kitchen, I knew this Cheesy Ham Grits Bowl was destined to become a family favorite. Weekends in our house are sacred, a time for slow mornings and comforting breakfasts that set the tone for relaxed days. This recipe delivered on all fronts. The creamy, cheesy grits were unbelievably smooth and rich, the salty ham added a delightful savory punch, and the perfectly poached egg on top brought everything together with a luscious, runny yolk. Even my picky eaters devoured it, requesting seconds and asking when we could have it again. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome, perfect for a cozy brunch, a satisfying breakfast-for-dinner, or anytime you crave a bowl of pure comfort. Trust me, this Cheesy Ham Grits Bowl is not just a meal; it’s an experience.

Ingredients

To create this incredibly comforting and flavorful Cheesy Ham Grits Bowl, you’ll need a selection of fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so satisfying. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need:

• For the Grits:
  • 1 cup Stone-Ground Grits: Opt for stone-ground grits if you can find them. They offer a superior texture and more pronounced corn flavor compared to instant or quick grits. Stone-ground grits cook slower but the result is well worth the extra time. If you must substitute, use quick-cooking grits, but adjust the cooking time accordingly and be mindful of the texture difference.
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth instead of water adds a depth of savory flavor to the grits that water simply can’t replicate. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the overall saltiness of the dish. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
  • 1 cup Milk (Whole Milk or 2%): Milk contributes to the creamy texture of the grits. Whole milk will result in the richest and creamiest grits, but 2% milk works well too. For a dairy-free version, consider unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, keeping in mind that these alternatives might slightly alter the flavor and creaminess.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and a velvety texture to the grits. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level precisely. If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar cheese is the star cheese in this dish, providing a bold and tangy flavor that complements the ham and grits beautifully. Shredded cheese melts evenly and quickly into the hot grits. For a milder flavor, you can use mild cheddar, or explore other cheese options like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked Gouda for a different flavor profile.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust the amount to your preference, especially if using salted butter or regular chicken broth.
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
• For the Ham:
  • 8 ounces Cooked Ham, diced: Use a good quality cooked ham, such as smoked ham, country ham, or even leftover holiday ham. Dicing the ham into small pieces ensures even cooking and distribution throughout the bowl. For a vegetarian alternative, consider using smoked tofu or sautéed mushrooms for a savory element.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or Butter: Olive oil or butter is used for sautéing the ham and adding a touch of richness and flavor. Olive oil offers a lighter, fruitier flavor, while butter adds more richness.
  • Optional: 1 clove Garlic, minced: Minced garlic adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the ham. If you enjoy garlic, this is a great addition.
• For the Poached Eggs:
  • 4 large Eggs: Fresh, high-quality eggs are essential for poaching. Older eggs tend to spread more in the water.
  • 4 cups Water: Water is the poaching liquid.
  • 1 tablespoon White Vinegar: Vinegar helps the egg whites coagulate faster and keeps them from spreading too much in the water, resulting in a neater poached egg. Lemon juice can be used as a substitute if you don’t have white vinegar.
  • Pinch of Salt: A pinch of salt in the poaching water can also help with coagulation and flavor.
• For Garnish (Optional):
  • Fresh Chives, chopped: Chopped fresh chives add a pop of color and a mild oniony flavor as a garnish.
  • Hot Sauce: A dash of hot sauce adds a kick of heat for those who like a spicier dish. Consider Tabasco, Sriracha, or your favorite hot sauce.
  • Extra Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For extra cheesy goodness.
  • Fresh Parsley, chopped: Another fresh herb option for garnish, adding a bright, herbaceous note.

Instructions

Creating this comforting Cheesy Ham Grits Bowl is a straightforward process, even if you’re new to making grits or poaching eggs. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring this delicious dish to life:

1. Prepare the Grits: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and milk to a simmer over medium heat. Simmering the liquids first ensures the grits cook properly and absorb the flavorful broth and milk evenly. If you add grits to cold liquid, they are more likely to clump.
2. Whisk in the Grits: Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits into the simmering liquid. Whisking constantly as you add the grits is crucial to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking for about a minute to ensure the grits are well dispersed in the liquid.
3. Simmer and Cook the Grits: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the grits simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or according to the package directions for your specific type of grits. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking. Stone-ground grits require a longer cooking time than quick grits, so be patient and let them cook until they are creamy and tender. If using quick-cooking grits, the cooking time will be significantly shorter, usually around 5-7 minutes. Refer to the package instructions for accurate timing.
4. Sauté the Ham (Optional Garlic): While the grits are simmering, prepare the ham. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the olive oil or butter. Add the diced ham and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned and heated through. If using garlic, add the minced garlic to the skillet in the last minute of sautéing and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Sautéing the ham enhances its flavor and texture, making it slightly crispy and more flavorful.
5. Poach the Eggs: While the grits and ham are cooking, poach the eggs. Fill a deep skillet or saucepan with about 4 cups of water and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the white vinegar and a pinch of salt to the water. The vinegar helps the egg whites set quickly and the salt seasons the eggs.
6. Create a Vortex (Optional but Helpful): Gently swirl the simmering water with a spoon to create a vortex in the center. This swirling motion helps the egg white wrap around the yolk as it cooks, resulting in a more compact and neatly shaped poached egg.
7. Poach the Eggs Individually: Crack one egg at a time into a small bowl. Gently slide the egg from the bowl into the center of the simmering vortex (or just gently into the simmering water if not using a vortex). Repeat with the remaining eggs, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Poach only as many eggs at a time as comfortably fit in your pan without lowering the water temperature too much.
8. Cook to Desired Doneness: Poach the eggs for 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk, or slightly longer for a firmer yolk, depending on your preference. The egg whites should be set, but the yolk should still be soft and runny.
9. Remove and Drain the Eggs: Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the poached eggs from the water. Gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess water. This prevents the poached eggs from making the grits watery when assembled.
10. Finish the Grits: Once the grits are cooked to your desired consistency (creamy and tender), remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the butter and cheese are fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth and cheesy mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Adding the butter and cheese off the heat ensures they melt smoothly and don’t separate or become greasy.
11. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cheesy grits evenly among four bowls. Top each bowl with a portion of the sautéed ham and a poached egg.
12. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh chives, a dash of hot sauce, extra shredded cheddar cheese, or fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors and textures of your Cheesy Ham Grits Bowl. Serving immediately ensures the grits are at their creamiest and the poached egg is still warm and runny.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Estimated)

Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods. This is intended as a general guideline.

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Servings Per Recipe: 4
• Calories Per Serving: Approximately 450-550 calories

Approximate Breakdown (per serving):

• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 25-35 grams (depending on milk and butter fat content)
• Saturated Fat: 15-20 grams (depending on cheese and butter)

Important Considerations:

• These values are estimates and can fluctuate. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.
• This dish is relatively high in fat and sodium. Adjust portion sizes and ingredient choices to fit your dietary needs. Using skim milk, less butter, and low-sodium ham and broth can reduce fat and sodium content.
• The protein content is significant due to the ham, cheese, and egg, making this a satisfying and energy-sustaining meal.

Preparation Time

The Cheesy Ham Grits Bowl is a relatively quick and easy recipe, especially perfect for a weekend brunch or a weeknight dinner when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (This includes dicing ham, shredding cheese, mincing garlic if using, and gathering ingredients)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (This includes cooking grits, sautéing ham, and poaching eggs)
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Breakdown:

• Grits Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (for stone-ground grits) or 5-7 minutes (for quick-cooking grits)
• Ham Sautéing Time: 5-7 minutes
• Egg Poaching Time: 3-4 minutes per batch of eggs

This timeline allows for multitasking. You can start the grits, then prepare the ham while the grits simmer, and finally poach the eggs while the grits are finishing up. This efficient workflow ensures that all components are ready around the same time and you can assemble and serve your delicious bowls promptly.

How to Serve Cheesy Ham Grits Bowl

The versatility of the Cheesy Ham Grits Bowl makes it perfect for various occasions, from a casual weekend breakfast to a slightly more elevated brunch or even a comforting dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

• Breakfast/Brunch Staple:
  • Serve as the main course for a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch. It pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit like berries or melon to balance the richness.
  • Offer alongside other brunch favorites like pancakes, waffles, or a simple green salad for a more elaborate spread.
  • Consider serving with freshly squeezed orange juice, grapefruit juice, or mimosas for a celebratory brunch.
• Comforting Dinner Option:
  • Enjoy it as a light yet fulfilling dinner, especially on cooler evenings. Its warmth and creamy texture make it ideal comfort food.
  • Pair with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to add freshness and contrast to the richness of the grits.
  • Serve with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up any remaining cheesy grits in the bowl.
• Elevated Presentation for Guests:
  • Use shallow bowls to showcase the layers of grits, ham, and poached egg beautifully.
  • Garnish generously with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for visual appeal.
  • Drizzle a touch of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of paprika over the poached egg for an elegant touch.
  • Serve with warmed plates to keep the grits warm for longer, especially if you’re entertaining.
• Accompaniments and Side Dishes:
  • Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad with berries, melon, and grapes provides a sweet and acidic counterpoint to the savory grits.
  • Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing adds freshness and balances the richness of the dish.
  • Toast or Biscuits: Serve with toasted bread, English muffins, or warm biscuits for dipping into the creamy grits.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts can add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
  • Hot Sauce Bar: Offer a variety of hot sauces, from mild to spicy, so guests can customize their bowls with their preferred level of heat.
• Beverage Pairings:
  • Coffee: A classic pairing for breakfast and brunch, coffee complements the savory flavors of the grits and ham.
  • Tea: Hot tea, especially black tea or herbal tea, provides a comforting and warming accompaniment.
  • Orange Juice or Grapefruit Juice: Freshly squeezed citrus juices offer a bright and refreshing contrast.
  • Mimosas or Bloody Marys: For a celebratory brunch, mimosas or Bloody Marys are excellent alcoholic pairings.
  • Light White Wine: If serving for dinner, a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can pair well with the cheesy grits and ham.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Ham Grits Bowl

To ensure your Cheesy Ham Grits Bowl is a resounding success every time, here are five essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Use Quality Grits: The foundation of this dish is the grits, so choose wisely. Stone-ground grits, while requiring a longer cooking time, offer superior texture and flavor compared to instant or quick grits. Look for grits that are coarsely ground for the best results. If you must use quick-cooking grits, be mindful of the texture difference and adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its bold flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses or cheese blends. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or even a smoked Gouda can add unique flavor dimensions. Ensure you use good quality cheese and shred it yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
3. Perfect Poached Eggs Every Time: Poaching eggs can seem daunting, but with a few simple techniques, you can master it. Use fresh eggs for the best results. Adding vinegar to the poaching water helps the egg whites set quickly. Don’t overcook the eggs; 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk is ideal. If making multiple batches, keep the poached eggs warm in a bowl of warm water until ready to serve.
4. Season at Every Stage: Seasoning is key to bringing out the best flavors in each component. Season the grits with salt and pepper while cooking. Taste and adjust the seasoning of the grits before adding the cheese. Season the ham lightly while sautéing, and don’t forget to season the poaching water with salt. Proper seasoning at each stage ensures a well-balanced and flavorful final dish.
5. Make Ahead Components (with caveats): While the dish is best served fresh, you can prep some components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. You can cook the grits ahead of time and reheat them gently with a little extra milk or broth to restore their creamy consistency. The ham can also be sautéed in advance and reheated. However, poached eggs are best made fresh and served immediately for optimal texture and runny yolks. If you must make them ahead, poach them slightly underdone, then gently reheat them in warm water just before serving, but be aware the texture may slightly change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions you might have about making Cheesy Ham Grits Bowls:

Q1: Can I use quick-cooking grits instead of stone-ground grits?

A: Yes, you can use quick-cooking grits if you are short on time. However, be aware that the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Quick-cooking grits cook much faster (usually around 5-7 minutes) and tend to be less flavorful and have a smoother, less coarse texture compared to stone-ground grits. Follow the package directions for quick-cooking grits and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply omit the ham. To maintain the savory element, you can substitute the ham with sautéed mushrooms, smoked tofu, or even roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

Q3: How do I store leftover cheesy grits and poached eggs?

A: Leftover cheesy grits can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat with a little extra milk or broth to restore their creamy texture. Poached eggs are best consumed immediately and don’t reheat well as the yolks can become rubbery. It’s recommended to make poached eggs fresh each time you serve the dish. If you have leftover poached eggs, store them in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and gently reheat them in warm water just before serving, but quality may be diminished.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a brunch party?

A: While the dish is best served fresh, you can prep some components in advance to make brunch day easier. You can cook the grits ahead of time and keep them warm in a slow cooker or reheat them gently on the stovetop. The ham can also be sautéed ahead of time and reheated. Poached eggs are best made closer to serving time, but you can poach them a bit underdone and then gently reheat them in warm water right before serving, as mentioned in the storage question. Assemble the bowls just before serving to ensure the best quality.

Q5: What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

A: There are many ways to customize this Cheesy Ham Grits Bowl to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Grits: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the grits while cooking for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Gouda, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, kale, or roasted vegetables into the grits for added nutrients and flavor.
• Smoked Paprika Ham: Use smoked paprika when sautéing the ham for a smoky flavor profile.
• Herbaceous Grits: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the grits while cooking for an herbaceous twist.
• Creamy Cajun Grits Bowl: Use andouille sausage instead of ham, add Cajun seasoning to the grits, and top with a sprinkle of green onions for a Cajun-inspired version.

Enjoy making and savoring your delicious Cheesy Ham Grits Bowl! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.

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