Cheesy Fried Grit Cakes

Cheesy Fried Grit Cakes: Crispy Southern Comfort at Its Best

If you’re looking for a delicious and unique side dish or appetizer, these Cheesy Fried Grit Cakes are just what you need! Packed with the rich flavor of sharp cheddar and coated in a crispy Panko and Creole seasoning crust, these grit cakes are the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy. Whether you’re serving them as a savory snack or as an accompaniment to your favorite Southern meal, they’re sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup instant grits
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 eggs
• 2 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
• 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
• Oil for frying (enough to cover 1/2 inch in your pan)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Grits:
   • In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups of milk, 2 cups of water, and 1/4 tsp salt to a simmer over medium-high heat.
   • Reduce the heat and stir in the instant grits. Cover the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the grits thicken and become smooth.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and black pepper until well combined.
2. Chill the Grits:
   • Spread the cooked grits mixture evenly into a baking dish and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or until the grits are fully set and firm.
3. Coat the Grit Cakes:
   • Once the grits have chilled, use a round cookie cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut out individual cakes from the firm grit mixture.
   • In one shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and 2 tbsp of milk to make an egg wash.
   • In another dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and Creole seasoning.
   • Dip each grit cake into the egg wash, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to ensure a good coating. Repeat the dipping process for a double coating, which will give the cakes extra crispiness.
4. Fry the Grit Cakes:
   • Heat enough oil in a large skillet over medium heat to cover about 1/2 inch of the pan.
   • Once the oil is hot, fry the grit cakes in batches, cooking each one for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
   • Transfer the fried grit cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• These grit cakes are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of remoulade or spicy aioli for dipping.
• If you prefer a thicker crust, you can repeat the coating process for a triple layer of crunch!

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 3 hours
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 8 grit cakes
• Calories: 270 kcal per cake

These Cheesy Fried Grit Cakes are a true Southern classic with a modern twist. The crispy Panko crust pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy interior, making them perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a fun snack. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just want to enjoy some comfort food, these grit cakes are a must-try. Serve them hot and watch them disappear!

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