Mardi Gras is a fun season, even for those of us who live outside of Louisiana. I find ways to enjoy it, because it's all about hedonism, enjoying yourself, and preparing for a season of self-reflection and quietness. Oh, and it's a super colorful day of celebration, which I definitely love! I have a tradition of sharing at least one new Mardi Gras themed recipe each year, and this year instead of going sugary sweet, we'll start the day off with a vibrantly colored, cheesy, flavor-filled breakfast dish — Mardi Gras Grits!
This isn't the first time I've used bell peppers and onions to veg up Mardi Gras, see my grilled Cajun kebabs!
This year, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, March 1. So prepare to let the good times roll with a day full of Mardi Gras themed food to keep you fat and happy til the dawn of Ash Wednesday.
Types of cheese to use in grits
You can use so many kinds of cheese in grits, it would almost be easier to list what NOT to use. My favorites include gouda, Parmesan, toscano, cheddar, and goat cheese. In this recipe specifically, if you want to preserve the vibrant purple color, use a white-toned cheese. That means no yellow cheddar, and nothing colored with annatto or other coloring. Your eyes and tastebuds are your best guide here.
Aged gouda is my absolute favorite cheese to put in grits though. Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar is a close runner up.
Mardi Gras Grits
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup blue grits
- 4 cups water
- ½ tablespoon butter
- 1 dash garlic powder
- ⅓ cup white cheddar, Gouda, or Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow bell pepper diced
- ½ green bell pepper diced
- ¼ smal yellow onion sliced into thin slivers
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the grits according to package directions, but add in the butter and garlic powder at the beginning of the cooking process.
- Once the grits have about 10 minutes to go, heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium high heat.
- Add the peppers and onions to the pan and stir to coat in oil. Saute for 5-7 minutes, and turn the heat up a little higher if desired. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the grits are done, stir in the cheese, and cover pot with lid so the cheese melts easily. Stir to combine.
- Plate the grits in a wide mouthed bowl or plate. Top with the sauteed vegetables. Salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
Where to find blue grits
Blue grits (that are actually purple) don't really taste different as far as I can tell. They just come from a different type of corn, and look really cool.
I get my blue grits from Congaree Milling Company, and yes they do ship! Marsh Hen Mill in Edisto, and other fine corn millers around the country also have blue grits too.
You can get a "quick grits" or use regular length cooking grits. Promise me you'll never use instant grits though. You'll never find such a thing from a proper miller though. Just follow the instructions on the packaging for your specific brand to cook it to perfection to bring out the best flavor and texture.
Looking for more Mardi Gras food?
