Butternut Squash Grits

These butternut squash grits are a near-perfect copycat of a southern food staple. It has the same rich and creamy texture, with warm cinnamon and a few sweet notes to round everything out in the best way. 

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When it comes to fall comfort food, you can’t get better than winter squash. Butternut squash is one of the sweetest varieties of squash you can buy. It’s the perfect ingredient to use to make creamy and cheesy grits recipe. 

The secret to this recipe is butter and cinnamon. Together, they create this aroma that brings everyone to the kitchen, asking when breakfast or dinner will be ready. 

There are other ways to make the classic grits recipe healthier. Pumpkin Grits are even sweeter, with the same creamy and cheesy consistency. Cauliflower Grits are a low-carb alternative you might enjoy, as well. 

This is the perfect side dish to serve at brunch, along with a Cheesy Keto Breakfast Casserole. If you have a lot of butternut squash to use up, make some butternut Squash Soup or Lemon Parmesan Butternut Squash Risotto. 

Why This Recipe Works

This is a very easy recipe to make, even on busy mornings or evening. It’s a wonderful way to use leftover roasted butternut squash.

Since it has less than ten ingredients, you won’t be overwhelmed with ingredients. It uses flavorful, warm spices that are perfect for those cold fall days. 

This butternut squash grits recipe makes a seasonal breakfast side dish or savory side dish for dinner. If you are hosting Thanksgiving, add it to your breakfast or dinner table. 

How To Make Butternut Squash Grits

Ingredients

• Grits: I use Quaker Old Fashioned Grits. If you choose to use stoneground grits, the cook time will be longer. If you choose to use instant grits, the cook time will be less. You will also need to check the liquid to grits ratio on both of these types of grits because they may vary slightly from the instructions in this recipe.
• Water
• Heavy Cream
• Butter
• Salt
• Parmesan Cheese
• Butternut Squash
• Cinnamon

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

Grate the Parmesan cheese, if necessary.

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Create!

Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. If you have a melon baller, it works really well at getting the seeds and pulp out of the center of the squash. Place both halves, cut side up on a baking sheet.

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and brush onto the squash. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle on 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon.

Roast for 35-45 minutes or until the butternut squash is very tender when pierced with a fork.

When the squash is nearly done roasting, begin preparing the grits.

Bring the water, heavy cream and salt to a boil in a medium pot.

Stir in the grits, cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook 12-15 minutes, stirring often to prevent the grits from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Once the majority of the water is absorbed and the grits are creamy, add the butter and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and well blended.

When the butternut squash is cool enough to handle, scrape out the inside until you have about 1 cup full of butternut squash.

Stir into the grits until well-blended.

Taste and adjust the amount of salt and cinnamon, as needed. You can add more butternut squash if you have it, or save any extra for another use.

Present!

Garnish with fresh thyme, rosemary or sage, if desired.

Tips and Techniques

• If you prefer to use instant or stoneground grits, the liquid to grits ratio may be different and cook time will be shorter for instant grits and longer for stoneground.
• You may have extra butternut squash. You can either stir it into the grits for a stronger butternut squash flavor, or save for another use.
• Store leftover cooked grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 5-7 days.

FAQ’s

What Do Grits Taste Like?

Grits have a mild, bland flavor. They take on the flavor of anything mixed into them very well. The most common additions to grits are butter and cheese.

Are Grits Gluten Free?

Grits are naturally gluten free, however, corn is often cross-contaminated with wheat. To ensure that your grits are 100% gluten free, check the label. If it does not say gluten free on it, there is a possibility of cross-contamination.

More Butternut Squash Recipes

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