Cauliflower Grits Recipe (Southern-Style)

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Cauliflower grits are a creamy, cheesy take on classic Southern grits, made with cauliflower rice instead of cornmeal. I make them when I want that warm, savory, comforting feel of grits in a version built around cauliflower.

two bowls of creamy cauliflower grits with spoons inside

This cauliflower grits recipe comes together on the stove with cauliflower rice, cream, butter, cream cheese, cheddar, and chives. It’s one I come back to for breakfast, easy dinners, and holiday-style meals, and it’s also the base I use for my Southern-Style Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits. It also works really well with simple proteins like Pan-Seared Shrimp, Blackened Shrimp, Air Fryer Salmon, or Air Fryer Bacon.

Why This Cauliflower Grits Recipe Works

This recipe keeps the flavor and creamy texture most people want, while making cauliflower the base of the dish.

Creamy and cheesy: Heavy cream, cream cheese, butter, and cheddar give these creamy cauliflower grits a rich, smooth texture.
Easy to make: Everything cooks in one pan on the stove, so this is a simple side dish to pull together.
A delicious cauliflower take on a Southern classic: These cauliflower rice grits give you that same comforting, spoonable side dish feel.
Works for breakfast or dinner: Serve them with eggs and bacon in the morning or use them as a side for shrimp or salmon at dinner.
A strong base for shrimp and grits: This is the cheesy, creamy base I use for my Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits.

cauliflower grits recipe with egg and bacon on top for breakfast

Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Grits

You’ll find the exact amounts in the recipe card, but these are the ingredients that make this recipe work.

Cauliflower rice: This is the base of the recipe. Fresh or frozen both work well here.
Heavy cream: This helps make the grits creamy.
Chicken stock: Adds savory flavor and helps cook the cauliflower rice.
Cream cheese: This helps make the texture smooth and rich.
Butter
Salt
Black pepper
Cheddar cheese: Use a cheddar you like the flavor of since it really comes through in the finished dish.
Chives: These add a little fresh flavor at the end.

How to Make Cauliflower Grits

This recipe comes together in a few simple steps.

Make the creamy cheese base

Set a pan over medium-low heat. Add the heavy cream, chicken stock, cream cheese, butter, salt, black pepper, cheddar, and chives. Whisk until the cream cheese melts and the mixture looks smooth.

Stir in the cauliflower rice

Add the cauliflower rice to the pan and stir it into the creamy sauce.

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Cook until tender and creamy

Let the cauliflower rice cook until tender and the sauce thickens into creamy, cheesy cauliflower grits.

Tips for the Best Cauliflower Grits

These small tips help the recipe turn out creamy and full of flavor.

Use cauliflower rice for the right texture: That’s what makes this recipe feel closest to grits.
Fresh or frozen both work: Use whichever one is easiest for you to grab at the store.
Cook over medium-low heat: Lower heat helps keep the dairy smooth.
Let the mixture thicken: The texture gets better as the cauliflower cooks in the sauce.
Taste before serving: Cheese and stock can vary in saltiness, so adjust at the end if needed.

Easy Ways to Serve This Recipe

This recipe can go in a few different directions depending on the meal.

For breakfast: Serve it with eggs, pork sausage, chicken breakfast sausage, or Air Fryer Bacon.
For dinner: Pair it with Pan-Seared Shrimp, Blackened Shrimp, or Air Fryer Salmon.
For a shrimp and grits-style meal: Use these cheesy grits as the base for your Shrimp and Cheesy Cauliflower Grits.

Fresh or Frozen Cauliflower Rice

Both fresh and frozen cauliflower rice work well in this recipe. If you want the easiest option, store-bought cauliflower rice is perfect here. You can usually find it in the produce section or freezer aisle. If you want to make your own, just pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they look like rice.

What to Serve with Cauliflower Grits

These cauliflower grits fit naturally with both breakfast and dinner. For breakfast, I like them with eggs, sausage, or Air Fryer Bacon. For dinner, they pair especially well with seafood. They make the base for my Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits, and they also work well with Pan-Seared Shrimp, Blackened Shrimp or Air Fryer Salmon when you want a simple dinner with a creamy side.

Cauliflower Grits FAQs

What are cauliflower grits?

Cauliflower grits are a cauliflower-based take on traditional grits. Instead of cornmeal, this version uses cauliflower rice cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Do cauliflower grits taste like regular grits?

They are not exactly the same, but they give you a similar creamy, savory side dish experience.

What makes cauliflower grits creamy?

Heavy cream, cream cheese, butter, and cheddar help give cauliflower grits their creamy texture.

Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?

Yes. Frozen cauliflower rice works well in this recipe.

Can I use these cauliflower grits for shrimp and grits?

Yes. These cheesy cauliflower grits are the base I use for my Southern Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice Grits, so they work especially well when you want a cauliflower take on that kind of meal.