Cream Cheese Grits, plus Everything Bagel Seasoning

Inspired by a classic cream cheese bagel, these Cream Cheese Grits, plus Everything Bagel Seasoning are made with cream cheese, parmesan, butter, and everything bagel spice. Top with fresh chives and eggs for a complete breakfast.

You don't have to be a Southerner to enjoy grits. Grits are made from finely ground corn and have a somewhat coarse texture. When cooked with water, milk, cream, butter, cheese, or stock, their texture transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.

Cream cheese grits are a delightfully creamy and rich breakfast option. They make the solid base for a savory breakfast bowl. The addition of everything bagel seasoning ties in the flavors, and adds a bit of texture. You won't want to miss this easy recipe!

What is everything bagel seasoning?

Everything bagel seasoning is your one-stop spice blend suited to bagels, toast, and anything you want to add a kicked-up flavor to. It usually consists of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, salt, dried garlic, and dehydrated onion flakes.

Ingredient notes

Read about the ingredients needed to make creamy cheese grits. Full ingredients and instructions are located in the recipe card.

• Grits Look for stone-ground, white corn, old-fashioned, or quick-cooking grits. Avoid instant grits here. Look for grits in the breakfast or baking aisle. Brands like QuakerBob's Red Mill or Palmetto Farms are common. Avoid flavored grits.
• Cream cheese Full or reduced-fat cream cheese.
• Parmesan Freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a layer of saltiness that pairs well with the richness of the cream cheese.
• Butter Unsalted.
• Everything bagel seasoning Sold in specialty stores or online, or you can make your own. We're a big fan of Trader Joe's "Everything But The Bagel" seasoning but you can find it at other retailers and on Amazon.
• Chives Fresh or dried chives for topping.
• Salt To taste.

Cream cheese grits are a breeze to make. Start by cooking your grits as per the directions provided by your brand and type.

After cooking your grits, remove them from the heat and add the cream cheese, parmesan, and butter.

Give it a good stir until everything is melted, blended, and creamy. Top with everything bagel seasoning, chives, and additional salt to taste.

Expert tip

To get the creamiest grits, replace the water in the recipe with milk or stock, and cook for longer than the recipe states, adding more milk or stock as needed.

Substitutions and variations

1. Polenta Swap out grits for polenta. Look for stone ground polenta that is either coarse or fine, and follow the directions for preparation on the package.
2. Mascarpone For an even more decadent breakfast, use Italian mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese.
3. Seasonings If you don't have everything bagel spice, use a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and dried onion. You could skip the everything bagel spice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

How to serve cream cheese grits

• Eggs Add a fried or jammy egg for a complete and savory breakfast.
• Veggies This tomato confit or these roasted beefsteak tomatoes are the solid veggie companion.
• Bacon Crumble some crispy or candied bacon on top.
• Toast Serve with a simple slice of buttered toast.

Keeping leftovers

Store leftover grits in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat the grits, add a little water or milk, and warm them in the microwave or the stove until heated.

Kitchen questions

Are grits and cornmeal the same thing?

Although similar, and both are made from corn, cornmeal can come fine ground or coarse and is often used in baking and for dusting or breading. If you are looking to substitute grits, we would suggest using polenta.

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Ingredients

Makes 4

• 1 cup old-fashioned grits (regular or quick-cooking (not instant))
• ¼ cup cream cheese
• 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ tsp Kosher or fine sea salt
• 2 tsp everything bagel seasoning
• 4 tsp chopped fresh chives

Equipment

• large pot

Method

1. Prepare the grits according to the package directions.

2. Remove from the heat and immediately add the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, butter, and salt. Stir until the cheese is melted and well incorporated.

3. Divide among 4 bowls and top each bowl with ½ tsp everything bagel seasoning, and 1 tsp fresh chives. Season to taste with additional salt, butter, or everything bagel seasoning. Serve immediately.