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–+ servings

Vegan Jalapeño Cheese Grits

These stone-ground Jalapeño Cheese Grits will make you feel like you're eating in the low country! Whip this flavorful, dairy-free recipe up in no time using the Instant Pot, or cook them on your stovetop.
5 from 5 votes
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Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Natural Release Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Calories: 548kcal
Author: Emily

Equipment

  • Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker or Pot
  • Whisk
  • Large Spoon or Spatula

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups Water
  • 1 cup Vegan cheddar
  • 1 Jalapeno diced
  • 1 ½ - 2 cups Dairy-free creamer or milk
  • 4 ounces Vegan butter
  • Spray oil
  • Salt
  • Chives optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • First, finely dice or mince 1 jalapeño without the seeds or stem. 
  • Turn the Instant Pot to sauté and spray a small amount of oil. Saute the jalapeño until slightly soft. 
  • Measure out the grits and water and add them both to the Instant Pot or stovetop along with salt. Lightly whisk to ensure no clumps.
  • Close the lid on the instant pot with the valve set to sealing and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes. 
  • For the stovetop: Add all of the grits and water and salt to a large pot and bring to a boil. Cover with a lid and cook, stirring occasionally, until the water has all been absorbed. This may take 30-45 minutes. 
  • Once the grits are cooked and the pin has dropped in the Instant Pot, remove the lid and stir the grits. 
  • Immediately add the butter so that it melts while still hot.
  • Add the vegan cheddar as well as the dairy-free creamer.
  • Continue stirring until the cheese begins to get melty. 
  • Season with salt and pepper to your liking. 
  • Serve in a bowl and garnish with chives (optional). 

Notes

  • If you choose to cook this on the stovetop, I suggest using a whisk and stirring every few minutes. It will take much longer to cook on the stove
  • Feel free to adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeño used. I used 1 jalapeño here and it was not spicy at all, but it did impart the jalapeño flavor.
  • Be sure to use stone-ground grits to ensure proper cooking. Instant grits are processed differently and you will not get the same result.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 548kcal | Carbohydrates: 56.1g | Protein: 4.5g | Fat: 34.5g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 1407.3mg | Potassium: 69mg | Fiber: 4.5g | Sugar: 0.9g
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