Southern Chili-Crisp Grits Bowls with Soft Eggs & Sweet Corn

Grits have long been the creamy heart of Southern breakfast tables, simmered low until tender. This bowl folds in sharp cheddar, sweet corn, and a spoon of chili crisp over soft eggs for a spicy-savory morning lift.

Serves 4 · 10 min prep · 25 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 420 cal
• 19g protein
• 38g carbs
• 22g fat

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Ingredients

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups fresh sweet corn kernels
• 4 large eggs
• 3 Tbsp chili crisp
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 3 sliced green onions
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. 1Bring the water and milk to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in the grits and a good pinch of salt, then reduce heat to low.
2. 2Cover and simmer the grits, stirring every few minutes, for 18–20 minutes until thick, creamy, and tender; if they tighten too much, loosen with a splash of hot water.
3. 3While grits cook, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add half the butter and the sweet corn kernels; cook undisturbed 3 minutes until charred in spots, then stir and cook 2 minutes more.
4. 4Season the corn with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then transfer most of it to a bowl, leaving a few kernels in the pan.
5. 5Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook sunny-side or over-easy until whites are set but yolks remain runny, about 3–4 minutes; cover briefly if needed to finish the tops.
6. 6Stir the remaining butter and shredded cheddar into the finished grits until melted and silky; taste and adjust salt.
7. 7Divide the cheesy grits among four warm bowls. Top each with a soft egg, a generous scoop of charred corn, and sliced green onions.
8. 8Spoon chili crisp over the egg yolk and corn so the oil pools slightly into the grits.
9. 9Serve right away while the grits are steaming and the yolk is still liquid for stirring into the bowl.
10. 10Offer extra chili crisp at the table for anyone who wants more heat and crunch.