SLAB BACON AND CHEDDAR CHEESE BROILED GRITS

By CheeseDiva

Ingredients

• 1/4 lb slab bacon, diced
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup stone ground grits
• 1 3/4 cups grated extra sharp cheddar cheese (split 1 1/4 and 1/2 cups)
• 3/4 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

Details

Adapted from marthastewart.com

Preparation

Step 1

Scatter bacon in dry skillet. Cook over medium heat until barely crisp (about 4 min). Use slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel lined plate. Reserve 1 Tbsp bacon fat (if desired).
2. Combine milk and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Cover and cook over medium-high until boiling (about 5 min).
3. Uncover and add grits and 3/4 tsp of salt.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring constantly until grits thicken (about 8 min). Reduce heat to low, simmer, stirring every 2-3 min, until thick (about 20 min). Cook, stirring constantly until creamy and soft, (about 15 min more). Remove from heat.
5. Stir in pepper, reserved bacon and bacon fat (if desired) and 1 1/4 cups cheese and stir.
6. Transfer to small baking dish or cast iron skillet and scatter with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
7. Preheat broiler, broil until cheese is brown (about 3 min). Serve