Creamy Vegan Grits Recipe (Dairy Free, Gluten Free) (2024)

FAQs

Are grits gluten and dairy free? ›

Grits alone are naturally gluten free, but they can be cross contaminated in processing or mixed with gluten-containing flavors. Here are a few brands of grits that are known to be gluten free: Arrowhead Mills – Look for boxed yellow corn grits, typically labeled “gluten free” in very clear lettering.

Most people associate grits with butter but grits are also delicious and creamy when made with olive oil. Depending on who you ask, grits are similar or identical to Italian polenta. Both are made from ground cornmeal slow cooked over a low flame. Here is a recipe that we adapted from the Courier Journal.

Aside from lots of delicious cheese, these grits get their extra creaminess by cooking them in milk. Yep. No water here! Grits are often synonymous with the South and are considered not only a Southern staple, but a tradition.

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Traditional grits—in their pure form—come from corn, not from wheat, barley, or rye (the three gluten grains). Therefore they are gluten-free and safe to eat on the gluten-free diet.

Grits are often cooked in either milk or water; we prefer a combination of the two for silky grits that aren't too heavy. For additional flavor, substitute water with chicken or vegetable stock. Grits require a 1:4 cup ratio of grain to liquid.

Make them creamier by cooking longer. Some folks add milk to the water and say that helps as well. The issue with using milk is scorching. Frequent whisking or stirring is essential with all types of grits.

Stone-ground varieties are more nutritious, as they undergo less processing than quick, regular, or instant types. Though grits are fairly healthy, they're typically served with high-calorie ingredients. These may include milk, cheeses, syrups, sugar, bacon, and other fried or processed meats.

Grits are super versatile, vegan, and there are so many unique ways you can use them. You can eat them on their own, make polenta cakes, polenta chips, casseroles, and I've seen people use them to make mini pancakes that act like tacos!

What can you substitute for grits? ›

Since polenta and grits are both made from ground corn, you can use them interchangeably. Bear in mind that grits are higher in starch than polenta, so if you sub in polenta for grits, you won't have to stir it as frequently, but it won't cook up as creamy as grits.

Yes, both grits and polenta are made from ground corn, but the main difference here is what type of corn. Polenta, as you can probably guess from the color, is made from yellow corn, while grits are normally made from white corn (or hominy).

Depending on the kind of grits you're making, you can replace some of the water with stock or broth (chicken or vegetable) or with dairy such as milk, heavy cream, or buttermilk. Milk adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness—ideal for cheese grits—while cream adds even more richness to grits in a breakfast casserole.

Similar to the rice in tamago kake gohan, the hot grits gently “cook” the egg, turning the slippery white and runny yolk into a creamy, emulsifying sauce.

The dish originated with the Native American Muscogee tribe using maize. American colonists learned to make the dish from the Native Americans, and it quickly became an American staple. At that time, maize or hominy for grits was ground on a stone mill.

They're made of 100% ground corn. However, it's what gets added to them that usually makes them not vegan. Grits are often made with cow's milk or cream, dairy cheese, and dairy butter. Most grits sold at restaurants aren't vegan, unless it's a plant based establishment.

Grits are a naturally gluten-free food that can be safely eat on a gluten-free diet, as long as the brand of grits is made in a gluten-free facility. However, some grits are manufactured alongside other gluten grains, putting the product at risk of cross-contamination.

Yes, traditional grits are made from ground corn which is a naturally gluten-free food. However, depending on the brand you buy, grits may or may not contain traces of gluten. There is a risk of cross-contamination if grits are processed side-by-side with gluten-containing grains during the manufacturing process.

Is it Dairy Free? Yes! We believe this product is dairy free as there are no dairy ingredients listed on the label.