↑

Delicious Little Bites

Loving Life One Bite at a Time

  • About
    • Disclosure Statement
    • Work With Me
    • Contact Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Low Carb
  • Gluten Free
  • Vegetarian
  • Desserts
  • Privacy Policy
You are here: Home / Recipes / Side Dishes / Cheesy Cauliflower Grits

Cheesy Cauliflower Grits

Published September 16, 2020. Last updated January 12, 2022 by Lauren Vavala

Thanks for sharing!

 Cheesy Cauliflower Grits are rich, creamy, buttery, and of course, cheesy. This low carb and keto-friendly grits alternative is equally as flavorful as traditional grits but with only 5 net carbs per serving.

Close up of cheesy cauliflower grits in a white bowl on a wood board with a fork, shredded cheese and a blue and white towel in the background

This post contains affiliate links. See our Disclosure Statement for more information.

I first made this Cheesy Cauliflower Grits recipe to go along with spicy shrimp in my recipe for Keto Cajun Shrimp and Grits. Since then, I can’t even tell you how many more times I’ve made it.

The secret to getting this recipe as close to real grits as possible is all in the texture. I won’t try to lead you on about the flavor. It’s made with cauliflower, and while cauliflower can take on a lot of flavor, there will always be a bit of cauliflower’s natural taste in the mix, as well.

If you don’t absolutely despise cauliflower and love the buttery, cheesy texture of traditional grits, you will love this recipe!

Why This Recipe Works

This keto grits recipe is really quick and easy to make. You can enjoy it at breakfast, lunch, or dinner time.

It’s a kid friendly recipe and a great way to get them to eat more vegetables too. The texture is very similar to classic grits. The heavy cream and butter add richness and the cheese brings tons of flavor.

This recipe is low carb, keto friendly, and gluten free. There are just 5 net carbs per serving.

How To Make Cheesy Cauliflower Grits

Ingredients

Ingredients to make cheesy cauliflower grits on a white background

  • 1  large head of cauliflower, riced super-fine
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

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!

Super fine cauliflower rice in a glass bowl over a white background

Rice the cauliflower super fine. Usually I would use a food processor to rice cauliflower, but to get it super fine, I use a blender and work in 2 batches. It’s okay if it clumps – it will break up when cooking.

Shred the cheddar cheese from a block to avoid added starches in pre-shredded bagged cheese.

Hand holding up super fine cauliflower rice over a white background

Chef’s Tip: you want the cauliflower to be riced super fine. It shouldn’t be as coarse as cauliflower rice, but it also shouldn’t be as creamy as mashed cauliflower – otherwise you may as just call it cheesy mashed cauliflower. You want a little texture there to resemble the same texture as classic grits.

Create!

Cauliflower grits cooking in a silver pot over a white background

Add the cauliflower, salt, pepper, heavy cream, and butter to a large sauce pan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. The mixture should be fairly thick.

Cheesy cauliflower grits in a silver pan over a white background

Cook, stirring often, until the cauliflower is tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese.

Present!

Overhead of cheesy cauliflower grits in a white bowl on a wood board with a fork, shredded cheese and a blue and white towel in the background

Serve the grits topped with extra cheese and butter, if desired.

Tips and Techniques

  • Make sure to rice the cauliflower super fine. It shouldn’t be as coarse as cauliflower rice, but it also shouldn’t be as creamy as mashed cauliflower. You want a little texture there to resemble the same texture as classic grits.
  • You can use Parmesan cheese in place of cheddar cheese, if preferred.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3 days.

FAQ’s

Can You Eat Grits On A Keto Diet?

Traditional grits made with boiled cornmeal or hominy are way too high in carbohydrates to be able to consume on a keto diets.

More Cheesy Cauliflower Recipes

Loaded Mashed Cauliflower
Loaded Mashed Cauliflower is a lightened up alternative to loaded mashed potatoes. It’s lower in calories and carbohydrates but definitely not lacking in flavor. Cheddar cheese, bacon, and sour cream make this cauliflower recipe anything but boring!
Get The Recipe
A fork lifting up a bite of loaded cauliflower mash from an individual baking dish with a second one in the background on a wood table
Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Rice
Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Rice is an easy-to-make low carb side dish. Made with riced cauliflower, broccoli, and plenty of cheddar cheese, this rich and creamy recipe is also naturally gluten free.
Get The Recipe
Close up of cheesy broccoli cauliflower rice in a white bowl.
Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are covered in spicy Buffalo sauce and melted sharp cheddar cheese. This easy recipe can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Get The Recipe
A buffalo cauliflower bite being lifted up on a fork with a cheese pull over a white background

Love this Cheesy Cauliflower Grits recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!

If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!

Overhead of Cheesy Cauliflower Grits in a white bowl on a wood board with a fork next to it
Print

Cheesy Cauliflower Grits

Cheesy Cauliflower Grits are rich, creamy, buttery, and of course, cheesy. This low carb and keto-friendly grits alternative is equally as flavorful as traditional grits but with only 5 net carbs per serving.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Gluten Free, Low Carb
Diet Diabetic, Gluten Free
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 25 minutes minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 370kcal
Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

  • 1 head cauliflower (riced super fine, about 4 cups)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

  • Add the riced cauliflower, salt, pepper, heavy cream, and butter to a large sauce pan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. The mixture will be fairly thick.
    1 head cauliflower, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    Cauliflower grits cooking in a silver pot over a white background
  • Cook, stirring often, until the cauliflower is tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese.
    1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
    Cheesy cauliflower grits in a silver pan over a white background
  • Serve the grits topped with extra cheese and butter, if desired.
    Overhead of Cheesy Cauliflower Grits in a white bowl on a wood board with a fork next to it

Notes

Tips and Techniques

  • Make sure to rice the cauliflower super fine. It shouldn’t be as coarse as cauliflower rice, but it also shouldn’t be as creamy as mashed cauliflower. You want a little texture there to resemble the same texture as classic grits.
  • You can use Parmesan cheese in place of cheddar cheese, if preferred.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3 days.
** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 519mg | Potassium: 371mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1245IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 264mg | Iron: 1mg

Related Posts

Cheesy cauliflower rice in a white bowl over a wood server.
Cheesy Cauliflower Rice
Close up of cheesy broccoli cauliflower rice in a white bowl.
Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Rice
Close up of a scoop of broccoli casserole being lifted up with a wood turner.
Keto Broccoli Casserole
Easy garlic chicken breasts in a skillet.
Easy Garlic Chicken + VIDEO
Overhead of a plate of loaded cauliflower bites with a fork.
Loaded Cauliflower Bites

Filed Under: Gluten Free, Low Carb, Recipes, Side Dishes

Comments

  1. Janet says

    April 2, 2023 at 8:19 pm

    These are delicious! I keep finally riced and roasted cauliflower in the freezer… And it works great for this! I highly suggest adding some garlic powder… And definitely make with shrimp sauteed in olive oil, red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lime juice at the very end before you dump them onto the grits! Yummy(

    Reply
  2. Thomas says

    February 5, 2023 at 1:56 pm

    Serving size is 1g? Tell me that’s an error.

    Reply
    • Lauren Vavala says

      February 5, 2023 at 4:40 pm

      Definitely an error! A while back there was an update to something that changed every recipe that didn’t specify a measurement to 1 gram instead of 1 serving. I edit them as I find them, but in general a serving is just dividing the total amount of the recipe into however many servings are listed.

      Sorry about the confusion,
      Lauren

      Reply
  3. catherine opatrny says

    September 20, 2021 at 8:25 am

    easy to make and delicious!

    Reply
  4. Seema says

    June 10, 2021 at 12:45 am

    I am putting together a list of ideas for my diabetic husband. I am sure he will like this a lot. Saves me a ton of thought. Thankyou.

    Reply
  5. Beth says

    June 10, 2021 at 12:28 am

    Yummy! This is by far one of my favorites to make! My daughter and I love this recipe. Such an easy and so addicting dish! I can’t wait to make this again!

    Reply
  6. Sara Welch says

    June 9, 2021 at 10:36 pm

    Such a unique and unexpected way to enjoy grits! So easy and delicious; my new favorite way to enjoy this dish, indeed!

    Reply
  7. Jessie says

    June 9, 2021 at 9:52 pm

    Yum! This looks amazing and I am totally going to try this with shrimp.

    Reply
  8. Patty at Spoonabilities says

    June 9, 2021 at 9:16 pm

    Wow! What a hit this has been in our house, and we LOVE GRITS! Love love love the riced cauliflower like this. Nothing beats it!

    Reply
  9. Erica says

    May 27, 2021 at 8:27 pm

    Tried today with shrimp 🍤 & sausage it was delicious!

    Reply
    • Lauren Vavala says

      May 28, 2021 at 9:33 am

      Thanks so much Erica!!

      Reply
  10. Karen says

    February 21, 2021 at 4:00 pm

    Tasty! Great texture! Cheesy! Awesome idea using cauliflower!!!

    Reply
    • Lauren Vavala says

      February 21, 2021 at 6:29 pm

      Thanks so much Karen!

      Reply
  11. Valeriya says

    October 18, 2020 at 3:07 pm

    Yummy! We’re going to try this tomorrow – can’t wait~!

    Reply
  12. Jess says

    September 25, 2020 at 9:05 am

    Cheesy and low on carbs! This is a dream come true!

    Reply
  13. Katherine says

    September 25, 2020 at 8:58 am

    Such an awesome idea to make grits with cauliflower. yum!

    Reply
  14. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry . says

    September 25, 2020 at 8:53 am

    These grits are so tasty and I love that they are so cheesy and low carb too! Delicious.

    Reply
  15. Alisha Rodrigues says

    September 25, 2020 at 8:43 am

    I love the fact that its Keto friendly .. Looks absolutely yum and cheesy .. Fam would love this for dinner tonight, gotta give it a shot !!

    Reply
  16. Caroline says

    September 25, 2020 at 7:48 am

    I like how you’ve mimicked the texture – this looks super comforting!

    Reply
    • Dee says

      August 11, 2023 at 10:59 am

      Amazing! 10 🌟! I’m diabetic, and love grits so much. Such a great alternative. Thank you!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Welcome, I'm Lauren!

Delicious Little Bites is where I share all types of recipes from appetizers to desserts. You will also find plenty of keto, gluten free, and vegetarian recipes here to help you put a delicious meal on the table every night that the whole family will love! Read More...

as seen on


Copyright ©2023, Delicious Little Bites. All Rights Reserved.