Golden Cornmeal Grits Fritters
These Golden Cornmeal Grits Fritters. Are a heartwarming nod. To Southern comfort food. With a twist. Imagine biting into a warm, crispy exterior. To discover a soft, cheesy center. Bursting with the smoky flavors of bacon. And the sweetness of corn. All brought together in perfect harmony. Each fritter is a labor of love. Crafted from chilled, seasoned grits. That are rolled, dipped, and fried. To golden perfection. They’re not just food. They’re little rounds of joy. Perfect for sharing with friends. And family. Or savoring during a quiet moment alone. A dip into the spicy-sweet red pepper jelly sauce. Completes this delightful culinary experience. Making it truly unforgettable.
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Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 c quick-cooking grits
- 4 c milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 c 6 oz shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions minced
- 1/2 c corn kernels
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 3 c Panko crumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 c Red Pepper Jelly
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Cook Grits: In a saucepan. Bring 4 cups of milk and 1 tsp of salt to a boil. Add grits. And cook according to package instructions. Remove from heat.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, green onions, corn, black pepper, and cayenne pepper into the cooked grits.
- Chill: Pour the mixture into a greased 8-inch square pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. And refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours. Until firm.
- Form Balls: Once chilled. Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls.
- Coat: Whisk two eggs with 1/4 cup water in a bowl. Dip each ball in the egg wash. Then roll in Panko crumbs to coat.
- Fry: Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet. Or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the balls in batches. Until golden brown. About 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Make Sauce: Combine red pepper jelly, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. In a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds. Or until warm, then stir well.
- Serve: Serve the fritters warm with the pepper jelly dipping sauce.
Notes
To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet. You can make a couple of simple swaps. Without sacrificing flavor or texture. Instead of regular Panko crumbs. Opt for a gluten-free version. Many brands offer equally crispy alternatives. That are made without wheat. Also, ensure that your cornmeal is labeled gluten-free. As some brands. May process it in facilities. That handle wheat products. By making these adjustments. You can enjoy these delightful Golden Cornmeal Grits Fritters. Worry-free. Keeping all the original taste. And crunch!