Breakfast Grits Bowls Complete Guide With Recipes, Steps & Details

Breakfast bowls made with grits are hearty, comforting, and fully customizable, making them ideal for everyday breakfasts or relaxed weekend brunches. They are simple to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep. Instead of waiting in long lines at crowded brunch spots, they can be easily made at home while still offering restaurant-worthy results. The recipes below reflect a range of flavors, from classic bacon-and-egg combinations to veggie-packed and plant-based options.
For more breakfast ideas, check out our Breakfast Menu and Hashbrown Bowls recipes.
Breakfast Grits Bowls

Breakfast Grits Bowls Complete Guide With Recipes, Steps & Details
Overview
This easy Breakfast Grits Bowl is a comforting dish suitable for breakfast or brunch.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rating | 0.0 stars |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Total Time | 30 minutes (Active 25 minutes) |
| Servings | 2 |
| Calories (per serving) | 450–500 kcal (based on toppings) |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | 4 slices, chopped | Optional or use turkey bacon for leaner option |
| Chicken stock | 2 cups | Can substitute vegetable stock |
| Quick grits | ½ cup | Check package instructions |
| Salted butter | 2 tbsp | Optional |
| Eggs | 4 large | Cooked to preference |
| Kosher salt & black pepper | To taste | Seasoning |
| Shredded Cheddar cheese | ¾ cup | Can use vegan cheese |
| Hot sauce | To taste | Optional |
| Green onions | 2, sliced thin | Garnish |
Directions

Breakfast Grits Bowls Complete Guide With Recipes, Steps & Details
- Cook bacon in a 1-quart saucepot over medium heat until crisp (~8–10 minutes). Remove bacon and leave 1 tbsp grease.
- Add chicken stock, bring to boil, whisk in grits, simmer 4–5 minutes until thick.
- Melt butter in a skillet, fry eggs to preference, season with salt & pepper.
- Stir ½ cup Cheddar into grits, melt completely, and season with hot sauce.
- Divide grits into bowls; top with remaining , bacon, eggs, and green onions.
Notes
- Featured on The Pioneer Woman (Episode: 4 Ways to Start the Day)
- Categories: Grain Recipes, Grits Recipes, Bacon Recipes, Egg Recipes, Main Dish, Brunch, Breakfast, Gluten-Free
- More grits bowl recipes available
Breakfast Bowl – Grits & Veggies

Breakfast Grits Bowls Complete Guide With Recipes, Steps & Details
Overview
A plant-based breakfast bowl using corn grits, sautéed vegetables, and diced avocado. Vegan-friendly, meal-prep suitable, and customizable.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry corn grits | 1 cup | White or yellow |
| Water | 4 cups | |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Optional |
| Nutritional yeast | ¼ cup | Or more to taste |
| Vegetable broth | 2 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Mushrooms | 1 cup, sliced | |
| Red bell pepper | ½ cup, diced | |
| Onion | ¼ cup, diced | |
| Avocado | 1 medium | Add after reheating |
Cooking Grits

- Bring water to a boil.
- Whisk in grits, add salt, pepper, garlic powder.
- Cook 5–6 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
- Remove from heat and stir in nutritional yeast.
Cooking Veggies
- Heat skillet, add vegetable broth.
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, onions.
- Season and cook until soft and lightly golden.
Assembling the Bowl
- Divide grits into bowls.
- Add sautéed vegetables.
- Top with diced avocado, season lightly.
Additional Notes:
- Cashew cheese can be added.
- Servings: 3–4, perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)

| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 338 |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 53 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Vitamins & Minerals | Included in original content |
Check our Vegetarian Breakfast Recipes for more plant-based ideas.
Grits Breakfast Bowls

Overview
- Author: Beth Moncel
- Rating: 4.84/5 (18 reviews)
- Cost: $4.44 total ($1.11 per serving)
- Prep: 10 min, Cook: 20 min, Total: 30 min
- Servings: 4
- Brunch-worthy and customizable
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 4 cups | |
| Salt | 1 tsp | |
| Quick-cooking yellow grits | 1 cup | |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | |
| Whole milk | ½ cup | |
| Medium Cheddar, grated | 4 oz | |
| Eggs | 4 large | Fried, scrambled, or soft-boiled |
| Salsa | 1 cup | |
| Green onions | Sliced | |
| Freshly cracked pepper | To taste |
Instructions Grits Breakfast Bowls

Cooking the Grits
- Boil water with salt, stir in grits, simmer 5–7 minutes.
- Add butter and milk, stir until smooth.
- Gradually add cheddar, melting completely.
Cooking Eggs
- Prepare eggs as preferred.
- Slice green onions.
Assembling Bowls
- Place 1 cup of cheddar grits per bowl.
- Top with one egg, ¼ cup salsa, pepper, and green onions.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 427 |
| Carbs | 38.83 g |
| Protein | 17.4 g |
| Fat | 21.4 g |
| Sodium | 1420.95 mg |
| Fiber | 3.08 g |
For similar Cheddar Grits Recipes check here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are grits gluten-free?
Yes, grits are made from corn, which is naturally gluten-free. Ensure no cross-contamination if strict gluten-free compliance is needed. See more on Grits Bowl Menu.
Can grits bowls be prepared ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook grits and veggies in advance, store separately, and reheat. Add avocado or eggs fresh to maintain texture.
How can I make a grits bowl vegan?
Use vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, cashew cheese, and skip eggs. Add plant-based toppings like sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or avocado.
How long do cooked grits last in the fridge?
Cooked grits can be stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a little water or milk to restore creaminess.
Can I use instant grits?
Yes, instant or quick-cooking grits reduce prep time but follow package directions for best texture.
Conclusion
Breakfast grits bowls are versatile, satisfying, and can be tailored for vegetarian, vegan, or traditional brunch preferences. They work for daily breakfast, weekend brunch, and meal prep. With the variations above, you can enjoy creamy, savory, and nutritious grits bowls without waiting in crowded restaurants.
For more breakfast ideas, explore Waffle House Breakfast Menu, Sides Menu, and Lunch & Dinner Menu.
