Grits Cakes

Grits cakes are a savory, pan-fried patty made from cooked and chilled grits (ground corn) that are mixed with ingredients like cheese, herbs, or bacon, then shaped and crisped in a skillet. They are a staple of Southern American cuisine, often served as a hearty breakfast side, a base for toppings like shrimp or gravy, or even as a vegetarian main dish. The dish transforms simple, creamy grits into a texturally contrasting cake with a crispy exterior and a tender, corn-flavored interior.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Grits cakes are primarily a high-carbohydrate dish from the corn base, with significant fat content from the frying process and any added dairy or meats. They provide a good source of energy and some essential minerals like iron and B vitamins from the fortified cornmeal, with a typical serving containing roughly 250-350 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	300 kcal
Protein	8 g
Carbs	38 g
Fat	13 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	580 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.4 mg
Folate	60 mcg
Calcium	120 mg
Phosphorus	150 mg
Magnesium	25 mg
Zinc	1.2 mg
Selenium	6 mcg

Per 2 cakes (approximately 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, grits cakes represent a creative and resourceful way to repurpose leftover grits, embodying the 'waste-not' ethos of traditional Southern cooking. Nutritionally, they offer a way to increase the satiety and protein content of plain grits by incorporating mix-ins like eggs, cheese, or beans, making them a more balanced meal component.