By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on June 1, 2023 | Last Updated on June 30, 2023
Jim Dandy Grits are a classic Southern breakfast dish that can be difficult to find in places outside of the Deep South. Even if you’re not usually a fan of grits, this recipe is sure to make a believer out of you.
Everyone in my family knows that nothing can beat the deliciousness and comfort of Jim Dandy Grits, so don’t miss out on trying this classic recipe!
In this article, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to make Jim Dandy Grits, as well as some tips for making the perfect bowl of grits every time.
I’ll also answer any questions you might have about this delicious dish and provide information on the nutrition facts. So sit back, relax, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy and flavorful Jim Dandy Grits!
What is Jim Dandy Grits?
Jim Dandy Grits is a Southern classic dish created by American singer Jim Dandy, that dates back to the 1900s and has been beloved by generations. It’s made with quick-cooking grits, which are stone-ground corn kernels cooked in boiling water until they become creamy.
The grits are then combined with butter, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. The result is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion!
What does it taste like?
Jim Dandy Grits are creamy and comforting, with a subtle hint of salt and butter. The texture is smooth and slightly thick, with grits maintaining their shape while still being incredibly tender.
The flavor of the grits comes through without being too overpowering, making it a great base for additional seasonings or toppings such as herbs, garlic, or cheese.
How did I first get introduced to the Jim Dandy Grits?
I was first introduced to Jim Dandy Grits by my grandmother when I was a child. She used to make them every Sunday morning for breakfast and the smell of her cooking always filled up our kitchen with warmth and love.
Every time I’ve had them since then, it’s brought back fond memories of growing up in the South and being surrounded by family.
How to make Jim Dandy Grits?
Making Jim Dandy Grits is a simple and straightforward process. Here are the ingredients & step-by-step instructions for this recipe:
You can also read the following breakfast recipes:
Ingredients
- Salt: This is the main flavor enhancer in this recipe. It brings out the other flavors and makes your grits taste more delicious.
- Butter: The butter adds a rich, creamy texture to the finished product and helps bind all of the ingredients together.
- Jim Dandy Quick Grits: This is where most of the flavor comes from. The quick-cooking grits provide a delicious base for the rest of the ingredients.
- Black Pepper: A little bit of black pepper adds a nice kick to this recipe and helps bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Water: Water is used to cook the grits, as well as help make them creamy.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
In a medium-sized pot, bring the water to a boil then add the salt and butter.
Step 2
Once the butter has melted, add in the Jim Dandy Quick Grits and stir until they are completely incorporated.
Step 3
Bring the mixture back to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4
After 15 minutes, remove the lid and check if the grits are done by tasting one. If they are still too crunchy, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Once they are cooked through, turn off the heat and stir in the remaining butter and black pepper.
Step 5
Serve your Jim Dandy Grits hot with your favorite breakfast dishes, or store them in an airtight container for later use.
Tips
-Be sure to use quick-cooking grits for this recipe, as they will cook much faster than regular grits.
-If you find that your grits are too thick after cooking, simply add a bit of water until you reach your desired consistency.
-You can also play around with different flavors by adding herbs, garlic, or other seasonings.
Jim Dandy Grits Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 Large Bowl
- 1 strainer
Ingredients
- 4 Eggs
- 2 cups Jim dandy quick grits
- 4 tbsp Melted Butter
- 7 cup Water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized pot, bring the water to a boil then add the salt and butter.
- Once the butter has melted, add in the Jim Dandy Quick Grits and stir until they are completely incorporated.
- Bring the mixture back to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 15 minutes, remove the lid and check if the grits are done by tasting one. If they are still too crunchy, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Once they are cooked through, turn off the heat and stir in the remaining butter and black pepper.
- Serve your Jim Dandy Grits hot with your favorite breakfast dishes, or store them in an airtight container for later use.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Carbohydrate: 37g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 3g
Iron: 6%
Sodium: 0g
What to serve with Jim Dandy Grits?
Jim Dandy Grits pairs perfectly with traditional breakfast dishes such as eggs, bacon, and sausage. You can also serve grits with baked goods such as biscuits or muffins for a delicious breakfast spread.
For lunch or dinner, Jim Dandy Grits go great with fried chicken, roasted vegetables, and salads for a comforting meal. You can also top your grits with cheese, herbs, or other seasonings to create a unique flavor.
How to store leftover Jim Dandy Grits?
Any leftover Jim Dandy Grits can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to five days. Reheat the grits before serving by placing them in a pot on low heat, stirring occasionally until they reach your desired temperature.
You can also freeze leftover grits and reheat them as needed. If freezing, make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Pregnant women can enjoy Jim Dandy Grits as long as they are careful to avoid any raw or undercooked ingredients. Be sure to cook the grits fully and reheat any leftovers thoroughly before serving.
Additionally, it’s best to opt for low-sodium varieties of this dish if possible. Pregnant women should also consult their doctor if they have any questions or concerns about eating this dish.
FAQs
Is Jim Dandy Grits vegan?
No, Jim Dandy Grits is not vegan as it contains butter and other animal-based ingredients. If you are looking for a vegan alternative, you can use vegetable stock instead of water to cook the grits and opt for non-dairy margarine or olive oil instead of butter.
Additionally, be sure to check the labels of any additional ingredients you use to make sure they do not contain any animal-based products. You can also experiment with different seasonings and herbs for different flavors.
Can I use regular grits for this recipe?
No, it’s best to use quick-cooking or instant grits for this recipe. Regular grits require a longer cooking time and may not produce the desired results.
Additionally, they don’t usually have added ingredients such as Liquid Polysaccharide Solution which help create the desired creamy texture.
Wrapping Up
Jim Dandy Grits is a classic Southern dish that is sure to delight. It’s simple and easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients to create a delicious breakfast option or side dish.
Be sure to use quick-cooking grits and add extra flavors such as herbs or spices for extra flavor.
Thank you for your time and attention to this article. I hope it has given you some insight into the wonderful world of Jim Dandy Grits!
You Might Also Like These Recipes!
- Recipe for Gorditas De Azucar
- Sicilian Split Pea Soup Copycat Recipe
- Joanna Gaines Fatayer Recipe (Copycat version)
Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
