Delicious and comforting crispy cheesy grits fritters served with a zesty Cajun dipping sauce, perfect for parties or a fun weeknight dinner.
Author:hbibamine1980
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Frying
Cuisine:Southern
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup Quick-Cooking Grits (Can substitute with other cornmeal)
2 cups Water (For cooking the grits)
1 tablespoon Cajun Spice (Adjust for spice tolerance)
1 teaspoon Sea Salt (Omit if Cajun spice is salted)
1/4 cup Chopped Chives (Or Scallions)
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Can swap for Pepper Jack)
1 cup Vegetable Oil (For frying)
1 cup Marinara Sauce (Base for dipping sauce)
1 tablespoon Lime Juice (For brightening flavor)
Instructions
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the quick-cooking grits and add the sea salt. Reduce heat to low, and cook while stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes, until thickened.
Once the grits are creamy and thick, add the Cajun spice, chopped chives, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and is evenly incorporated into the grits.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish or a flat plate. Spread it out evenly and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes, or until the grits are firm enough to handle.
Once the grits have cooled and set, cut them into squares or scoop them into small balls with your hands, making sure they are about 1 to 2 inches in size.
Add vegetable oil to a frying pan and heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Carefully add the fritters to the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry them until they are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Avoid overcrowding the frying pan.
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
In a small bowl, combine the marinara sauce and lime juice. Stir well to mix.
Notes
Serve hot with zesty dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh chives for extra flair.