If you have ever craved the comforting, creamy texture of traditional grits but want a lighter, lower-carb twist, this Cauliflower Grits Recipe will delight your taste buds. With cauliflower standing in beautifully for corn grits, this dish blends velvety textures with cheesy, buttery goodness, making it a perfect side that can elevate any meal. Not only is it quick to whip up, but it also fits effortlessly into gluten-free, vegetarian, and keto lifestyles, proving that healthy can be wonderfully indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cauliflower Grits Recipe calls for a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a creamy and flavorful dish. Each element plays its part in balancing richness, texture, and a hint of savory depth.
- Cauliflower florets: The star ingredient that provides a mild, slightly nutty base and an incredible creamy texture once blended.
- Unsalted butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps create that smooth mouthfeel we all love in grits.
- Heavy cream or milk: Gives extra creaminess and helps achieve the perfect consistency for spooning.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers sharp and salty notes that boost flavor complexity.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
- Olive oil (optional): A drizzle adds a beautiful silky richness and a slight fruity background.
- Chopped chives or parsley (optional garnish): Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a hint of brightness that complements the creaminess.
How to Make Cauliflower Grits Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the cauliflower
Start by steaming or boiling the cauliflower florets until they become very tender, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This ensures they break down easily when blended and produce that smooth, creamy texture reminiscent of traditional grits. Be sure to drain the cauliflower well and let it sit briefly to release any excess moisture—this step helps keep your grits thick and luscious rather than watery.
Step 2: Blend the ingredients
Transfer the drained cauliflower into a food processor or blender along with the butter, heavy cream (or milk), Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend everything until smooth and creamy for the classic grits consistency. If you prefer a little more texture, pulse a few times instead of fully pureeing—it’s about making the dish your own. After blending, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed for the perfect balance.
Step 3: Warm it up and add finishing touches
Pour the creamy cauliflower mixture into a saucepan and gently heat it over low heat until warmed through. This keeps your grits cozy and ready to serve. For an extra layer of richness, swirl in a tablespoon of olive oil right before serving. It adds a subtle fruity note and a silky finish, taking this Cauliflower Grits Recipe to new heights.
How to Serve Cauliflower Grits Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped chives, parsley, or even a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese bring a lovely freshness and visual appeal to your bowl of cauliflower grits. These toppings brighten the dish and provide little bursts of flavor that make every bite feel special.
Side Dishes
This recipe is such a versatile side that it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Imagine it alongside crispy shrimp, roasted chicken, or a plate of sunny-side-up eggs for a hearty breakfast. The creamy texture and subtle flavors of the grits complement savory mains, making your meals feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try dolloping your cauliflower grits atop sautéed greens or serve them in elegant ramekins as an appetizer base with toppings like caramelized onions or smoked paprika. You can also use this creamy base in place of mashed potatoes or polenta for a stunning presentation that will impress family and friends alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cauliflower grits keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing them to maintain texture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Cauliflower Grits Recipe later, freezing is possible but not always ideal since the texture can change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze in portion-sized containers and consume within one month.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to restore creaminess. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the grits if they have thickened in the fridge. Avoid microwaving for extended periods to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Cauliflower Grits Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use unsweetened non-dairy milk instead of cream to keep this dish dairy-free while preserving its creamy goodness.
How do cauliflower grits compare nutritionally to traditional grits?
Cauliflower grits are much lower in carbohydrates and calories than traditional corn grits, making them an excellent choice for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor.
Can I use frozen cauliflower florets instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works great and can save prep time. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water in your grits.
What if I don’t have a food processor or blender?
While a food processor or blender makes achieving that smooth grits texture easier, you can also mash cooked cauliflower well with a potato masher or fork for a chunkier, rustic texture that’s enjoyable too.
Is this Cauliflower Grits Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats beautifully and can be prepped in advance for quick weeknight meals, making it an ideal option for busy schedules.
Final Thoughts
This Cauliflower Grits Recipe is a fantastic, cozy dish that reimagines a southern classic with a modern, health-conscious spin. Whether you’re looking to cut carbs or add more veggies to your plate, these creamy grits deliver satisfaction and flavor in every spoonful. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do—it’s a warm hug on a plate that’s ready in under 20 minutes!
Print
Cauliflower Grits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired, Low-Carb
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy and flavorful cauliflower grits provide a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional southern grits. Made by blending steamed cauliflower with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect as a comforting side for shrimp, chicken, or breakfast eggs. It’s easy to prepare, gluten-free, and can be adapted to dairy-free diets as well.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Grits
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for added richness)
- Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Cauliflower: Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until very tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well and let them sit for a minute to release any excess moisture to ensure the grits are creamy and not watery.
- Blend the Ingredients: Transfer the drained cauliflower to a food processor or blender. Add the unsalted butter, heavy cream or milk, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture instead of fully pureeing.
- Heat the Grits: Pour the blended cauliflower mixture into a saucepan and gently heat it over low heat until warmed through. Stir regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Optionally, stir in the olive oil at this stage to add extra richness and a silky texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the cauliflower grits hot, garnished with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh finish if desired. Enjoy as a side dish with your favorite proteins or breakfast items.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use unsweetened non-dairy milk instead of cream or regular milk.
- These cauliflower grits make a fantastic low-carb side dish, pairing well with shrimp, chicken, or eggs at breakfast.
- To adjust seasoning, taste the grits before heating and add more salt or pepper as preferred.
- Make sure to drain and let the cauliflower rest after cooking to avoid watery grits.
