Corn grits are a staple in many Southern kitchens. However, this Spicy Fresh Corn Grits recipe takes it up a notch with the sweetness of fresh corn and a kick of cayenne pepper. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your grits game, this recipe is a perfect choice.
These quick corn grits are creamy, spicy and incredibly flavorful, making it an excellent side dish for any meal. Plus, these grits are super easy to make with just a few ingredients, and a few simple steps.
What are Grits?
Grits are a type of porridge made from ground, dried corn (cornmeal). They are a traditional Southern dish in the United States, commonly served for breakfast, but can also be enjoyed as a side dish for lunch or dinner.
They can be flavored with butter, cheese, or other seasonings, and are often paired with dishes like shrimp, fish or eggs.
Fresh corn grits are a variation of traditional grits made using fresh corn kernels rather than dried cornmeal.
Why You Should Make These Spicy Fresh Corn Grits
- This grits recipe uses fresh corn-on-the-cob, instead of dried corn.
- Rich and creamy texture from heavy cream and butter
- A hint of cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of spice, and can be adjusted to suit your taste.
- Perfect side dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- These spicy grits pair wonderfully with proteins like Air Fryer Salmon or Pan-Seared Scallops
- This modern take on grits is easy to prepare, and uses just a few ingredients.
What If You Do Not Have Fresh Corn?
Depending on the size, an ear of corn will likely produce anywhere between a 1/2 cup and 2/3 cup of kernels.
Once local farmers markets are depleted of fresh, corn you can substitute with frozen or canned corn. Here are the equivalents to fresh corn:
- A cup of frozen corn is generally equivalent to a cup of fresh corn.
- A 15-ounce of canned corn is equivalent to a cup of fresh corn.
Ingredients
- Fresh Corn: Substitute with an equivalent amount of frozen or canned corn.
- Butter: Instead, use margarine, ghee or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Substitute with half-and-half, whole milk or a dairy-free cream, such as coconut cream or almond milk cream.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount to your liking, or omit. Easily substitute with crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Spicy Fresh Corn Grits
- Cut the corn off the cob and add to a pot along with the remaining ingredients.
- Boil at medium-high heat until the corn softens (about 6-7 minutes).
- Remove from the heat and blend with an immersion blender to your desired consistency.
How to Serve and Store Fresh Corn Grits
These Spicy Fresh Corn Grits are incredibly versatile, and pair well with a variety of main dishes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Air Fryer Salmon: Season salmon filets and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Pan-Seared Scallops: Sear scallops in a hot pan with a bit of butter or oil until golden brown and cooked through.
- Juicy Chicken: Marinate chicken breasts in your favorite seasoning and grill until fully cooked.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve these fresh grits with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts or bell peppers.
- Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp: Wrap shrimp in bacon and bake or grill until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat the spicy fresh corn grits on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Consistency: Add a splash of cream or milk while reheating to restore the creamy texture.
More Fresh Corn Recipes to Love
- Spicy Creamed Corn on the Cob
- Pimento Cheese Corn
- Mexican Street Corn
- Scallops in a Cayenne Corn Purée
Spicy Fresh Corn Grits (Cayenne Corn Purée)
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Spicy Fresh Corn Grits recipe elevates a traditional grits recipe with the sweetness of fresh corn, and a kick of cayenne pepper.
Ingredients
- 6 ears fresh, sweet corn
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cut the corn off the cob and add to a pot along with the remaining ingredients.
- Boil at medium-high heat until the corn softens (about 6-7 minutes).
- Remove from the heat and blend with an immersion blender to your desired consistency.
Notes
- If fresh corn is not available, substitute with frozen or canned corn.
- For added flavor and texture, add a cob to the pot while the ingredients are boiling.
- Stir often.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking.
- As an alternative to using an immersion blender, use a stand blender (be careful as the corn mixture is very hot).
- For a smoother consistency, pass the blended corn grits through a mess strainer.
- If pairing with your favorite protein, like salmon, shrimp, chicken or scallops, try to manage time, so that the protein is ready when the grits are done.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
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WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
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