Name: Cheesy Low Carb Grits Recipe (Keto, Gluten Free)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets; ⅓ cup blanched almond flour; 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast; ½ cup heavy cream or unsweetened coconut cream if dairy free; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; Salt and pepper, to taste; Butter (optional)

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These cheesy low carb grits are proof that you can still enjoy delicious Southern cooking while on a keto diet. Cauliflower is steamed until fork-tender, blended, and mixed with ingredients like almond flour, cream, and shredded cheese to give that creamy texture and cheesy, yet mild flavor reminiscent of the beloved Southern classic.

A bowl of keto grits with a serving spoon and toppings on a teal backdrop.

The texture of these keto grits is incredibly similar to the real thing, and they are just as filling and satisfying. Plus, they are loaded with nutrients and low in grams of carbs, making them a healthier option for those following a low carb lifestyle.

I like to make them as a side dish to go with main courses like my Lemon Za'atar Pan-fried Chicken Legs, Traeger tri-tip, or Keto Turkey Meatballs in Curry Sauce — all delicious mains that taste fantastic with traditional grits. You're going to fall in love, trust me!

are grits low carb?

Grits are a staple in Southern cuisine but real grits are traditionally made from ground corn, which is often off-limits for those following a keto or low-carb diet. A 1-cup serving of grits has about 30 g net carbs, which is considered to be on the higher side.

Thankfully, this keto grits recipe is here to blow your mind and satisfy your cravings!

It's a simple, easy-to-follow recipe that uses cauliflower as the main ingredient. Cauliflower is a great low-carb substitute for many high-carb foods and works particularly well in this grits recipe.

It has a mild flavor, and when steamed and blended, it has a creamy texture similar to grits.

Whether you're following a keto diet or simply trying to eat healthier, these cheesy low carb grits are the perfect way to indulge in your favorite Southern comfort food without all the added carbs.

And the best part? You won't even miss the corn!

A bowl of keto grits with toppings and a serving spoon.

why this recipe works

I believe that dietary restrictions shouldn't stop us from enjoying our favorite dishes. There's always something you can substitute or modify to make a recipe work for your specific needs.

In this case, swapping out corn for cauliflower is the key to making this grits recipe keto-friendly.

Of course, cauliflower doesn't carry all the weight here!

The addition of almond flour and cream in this keto recipe gives the grits a thicker and creamy consistency, while shredded cheese adds a deliciously cheesy finish. Because any good serving of grits is incomplete without cheese!

I could gush about the taste of these grits all day, but the other thing that makes this recipe so awesome is that it is SO easy to make.

Steam the cauliflower for 10 minutes, blend it in the food processor, and mix in everything else. In under 20 minutes, you'll have a flavorful and healthy side dish that everyone will love (even the carb eaters!).

These cheesy low carb grits are:

Great for a low carb diet or ketogenic diet.
Loaded with healthy nutrients.
Made with common ingredients that are easy to source.
Packed with flavor and the perfect substitute for traditional grits.

ingredients needed

Here's what you will need to make these cheesy, low-carb grits!

Cauliflower. You'll need a whole head of cauliflower for this recipe, which will yield about 4-6 servings. I like to use fresh cauliflower, but if you're short on time, frozen cauliflower will also work.
Almond flour. This low carb flour adds thickness and texture to the grits, making them even more similar to the real thing.
Nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast adds a nutty and cheesy flavor to the grits without any actual cheese. It's also packed with vitamins and minerals, making these creamy grits even more nutritious.
Heavy cream or unsweetened coconut cream. For a creamy texture! If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead!
Shredded cheddar. The finishing touch, sharp cheddar cheese adds a deliciously cheesy flavor to the grits.
Butter. This is an optional ingredient, but it adds a rich, buttery flavor to the grits.

Ingredients on a turquoise backdrop for cheesy low carb grits.

a cheesy cauliflower grits recipe

This keto grits recipe is one of those easy meals you can make on a busy weeknight or whip up for a low-carb breakfast served with a side of eggs.

It's a versatile dish that pairs well with various proteins, making it a great addition to your meal prep rotation.

Here's a look at how to make it but be sure to check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for all of the details.

Cauliflower florets in a steamer basket.

Boil water, then place the florets in the steamer basket and set it on top of the pot. Cover and steam for 10 minutes, stirring the cauliflower halfway. It’s done when you can easily pierce it with a fork.

Cauliflower in a blender for making low-carb grits.

Remove from the heat and carefully transfer to a blender or food processor. Add the almond flour, nutritional yeast, cream, salt and pepper, then pulse to process until smooth. Stir in the butter and cheese.

Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed. Transfer the low-carb grits to a serving bowl and top with more butter and cheese, if desired, or your favorite grits toppings of choice!

Closeup of the texture of the low-carb grits with cheese and butter and chives.

tips for the best results

Pulse to process the cauliflower to prevent over-blending and making the low-carb grits too smooth. You want the texture to be somewhat gritty, not ultra smooth like baby food.
Cheddar or Parmesan are great options but use whatever cheese you like. You can even mix it with different types of cheese for extra flavor.
For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the grits mixture before blending. You could also add toppings like green onions, bacon bits, or diced tomatoes for added flavor and texture.

how to store

These cheesy low carb grits can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, microwave them for 1-2 minutes, stopping to stir halfway through. You could also reheat them on the stovetop, stirring until heated through.

serving suggestions

These cheese grits make a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner side dish. And it's so versatile, too! top it with crispy bacon or stir in some cream cheese for an extra chicken and creamy dish.

For a breakfast option, top the grits with a fried egg and sausage or bacon for the ultimate savory breakfast bowl. This Skillet Asparagus and Eggs with these Easy Keto Biscuits would taste fantastic!

For lunch or dinner, serve them as a side to your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp. These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Chipotle, keto jambalaya with sausage and shrimp, or low carb shrimp and grits with a zesty Cajun seasoning would all go well with this easy side.