Here in the South, grits are practically their on food group – and for good reason too! These Cheese Grits Breakfast Bowls are creamy, dreamy, comfort food and so easy to make!
I’ve had everything bagels on the brain lately. Tied with pumpernickel bagels as my most favorite carbtastic indulgence ever, I can’t get enough of them!
Since I’ve yet to find a good bagel place here in the Panhandle, it’s only fitting that I take matters into my own kitchen. So far I’ve everything bagel-itized my biscuits, my grilled cheese, and now? The fun continues!
I have a jar of everything bagel seasoning and I’m not afraid to use it!
These easy cheesy grits are loaded with flavor and perfect with a sprinkling of fresh arugula and a few crispy fried eggs. I can’t get enough of them! To channel all the deliciousness of an everything bagel into my bagel-free breakfast routine, I spiked these grits with a hearty dose of garlic and topped them with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.
Helloooooo delicious!
Cheese Grits Breakfast Bowls
Recipe can be doubled or tripled as needed! Make a few or feed a crowd!

Cheese Grits Breakfast Bowls
These Cheese Grits Breakfast Bowls are creamy, dreamy, comfort food and so easy to make!
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned grits
- 1 quart water
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4-1/2 tsp garlic powder to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt plus extra to taste
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar or gouda cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup milk plus extra if desired
- 4 fried eggs (2 for each bowl)
- 2 handfuls of fresh baby arugula or spinach
- everything bagel seasoning (optional + to taste)
- salt and pepper to taste
- chopped green onion or chives to garnish
Instructions
-
Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan with garlic and salt.
-
Stir in grits, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until thick, about 15 minutes.
-
Remove from heat and stir in cheese, butter, and milk.
-
I like my grits on the thicker side, but if you'd like them saucier, feel free to add a little extra milk or even cream if you prefer. Sometimes I go all out and add some extra cheese to the mix, just go for it!
-
Once the grits are hot and ready, spoon into two bowls and top each with a sprinkle or two everything bagel seasoning and top with freshly fried eggs and arugula. Garnish with green onion or chives if desired and season to taste. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
As written, this recipe yields a LOT of grits. If you'd like a more sensible serving, simply halve the grits portion of the recipe and you're good to go!
special diets and swaps
- brontosaurus chefs: If you eat eggs and cheese you’re good to go! Otherwise skip the huevos and top these grits with a medley of grilled veggies. I like them with asparagus and mushrooms.
- t-rex chefs: You were waiting for me to say it, weren’t you? Yes you can add bacon to these… My husband deems it a fantastic option.
so . . . how was it?!
Well it’s on the blog so it’s safe to say these cheesy grits breakfast bowls are downright delicious! We’ve made them a few times now and I am head over heels in love with serving fried eggs and arugula over a bed of cheesy, garlicky grits.
They’re super duper filling, so I’ll whip these up on the weekend when both Paul and I are around and between the two of us, we’ll devour this skillet and be full for hours.
Brunch of champions! Huzzah!
Feel free to serve your cheese grits breakfast bowls in actual bowls. I served ours in a large cast iron skillet so I could toss it in the oven to keep warm while chasing down my toddler and trying to get my husband’s booty out of bed for brekkie annnnnd earn his eats with his obligatory duties as hand model for the photos accompanying this recipe.
#foodbloggerlife #itsathing #crazylikesundaymorning
Wait why am I hashtagging? I think my brain is broken. And with that, I bid you good day. Later loves!
ga ga for grits? try these!
- Grits a Ya Ya <— the BEST! Shrimp and Grits a la Pensacola, FL
- Sweet Potato Gouda Grits
- Brown Butter Pumpkin Grits
- Veggies ‘n Gruyere Grits
- Sausage Egg and Cheese Grits Breakfast Bake
Linda
Oh my! You made my husband the happiest man alive! He loves his grits and with the added flavor of bagel seasoning and, of course, bacon, he devoured his bowl before I was half done with mine. Love this idea for a nice change up from the regular eggs, bacon and toast. Simply deliciously southern!
Carmen
I made this today. It looked good but my stomach didn’t like it, neither did my husband. Wacala
Theresa Young
Thank you for this recipe! I made it to the letter of your original revioe (above) and it was delicious. ???
Jenn
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Thanks Theresa!
Cindy
This looks so good. I plan to try it out this weekend for the whole family!
Jenn
I’m excite for you to try it Cindy! Thanks!
Kasey Schwartz
I’ve never made grits – even though I’m from West Virginia and living in Illinois now. I’d love to try this yummy recipe! It looks amazing!!
Jenn
Thanks Kasey!
Joyce @ The Hungry Caterpillar
Cheesy grits are probably my favorite breakfast right now. My boyfriend and I make them whenever I go to visit him 🙂 It’s awesome. Confession: we just use instant.
Karly
I just recently entered this totally cheesy-grit-obsession phase, and this is just taking it up a notch. This is the perfect way to start the day! Love!
Jenn
I think I’m starting to like them more than mashed potatoes at this point which for me is a wee bit epic. It’s basically a socially acceptable way of spooning cheese into your face 🙂 Game on! Thanks love!
Christina
Ah I could have a love affair with these grits! Going on my to make list 🙂
Jenn
Woooot! Can’t wait to hear what ya think Christina! <3
Trending Recipes
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Healthy Sides
Cold Weather Favorites
crazy colorful veggie recipes
PeasandCrayons.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs. If you click and/or make a purchase through certain links on the site (or any related social media platforms), PeasandCrayons.com may make a commission from that click and/or purchase. The brands and content featured represent what I personally support; all opinions are my own. Find my complete terms and privacy policy here.
What’s For Dinner?
Find out with our free weekly recipe newsletter!