Fast Hammy Grits
When Hank Williams Jr. sang, “I don’t want no little ol’ Danish rolls. I must have ham and grits,” he was talking about the rib-sticking appeal of creamy grits and sautéed ham for breakfast. In our version we also throw in some cheddar cheese and a few dashes of hot sauce for a speedy yet filling meal. Game plan: To simplify your prep time, shred the cheese and dice the ham the night before. If you have preshredded cheddar, you will need about 3/4 cup.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup water
- 1⁄2 Cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more as needed
- 1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more as needed
- 2 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1⁄2 Cup small dice fully cooked ham
- 1⁄3 Cup white or yellow grits
- 2 ounce sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium scallion
- hot sauce such as cholula or tabasco
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Directions
Combine the water, milk, butter, and measured salt and pepper in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned all over, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.
Whisk the grits into the simmering milk mixture and bring to a boil. Continue to boil without stirring for 1 minute. Cover with a tightfitting lid, remove the pan from the heat, and let sit until the grits are tender, about 7 minutes.
Meanwhile, shred the cheese on the large holes of a box grater (you should have about 3/ cup). Thinly slice the white and light green parts of the scallion; set aside.
When the grits are ready, uncover and stir them to incorporate all of the liquid; stir until the grits are smooth. Sprinkle with two-thirds of the cheese and stir until combined and melted. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Divide the grits between 2 bowls and sprinkle with the remaining third of the cheese. Top with the reserved ham and scallions and add a few dashes of hot sauce. Serve immediately.