These Grit Fritters With Ham turn humble Southern grits into crispy, golden bites of cheesy comfort! Creamy cheddar grits are chilled, rolled into balls, and fried to perfection — crunchy on the outside, soft and savory on the inside. The bits of country ham and green onion make every bite flavorful, while the panko coating gives that irresistible crunch. Serve them as appetizers, breakfast sides, or game-day snacks — they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!
Who Is This Recipe For
This recipe is perfect for:
- Southern food lovers who crave a bite-sized version of classic cheesy grits.
- Home cooks looking for a creative way to use leftover ham.
- Entertainers in search of an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Why You’ll Love It
✅ Crispy outside, creamy inside.
✅ Packed with cheese, ham, and Southern flavor.
✅ Easy to make ahead — chill, roll, and fry when ready!
✅ Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or tailgates.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon water, divided
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup yellow grits
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced country ham
- ¼ cup finely sliced green onions
- Canola oil, for frying
- 3 eggs
- 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
Preparation
- Cook the grits: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups milk and 2 cups water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat (don’t let it scorch).
- Add and simmer: Slowly stir in the grits. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring often, until thick and creamy.
- Flavor the base: Remove from heat and whisk in butter, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and melty.
- Add the mix-ins: Fold in diced ham and green onions until evenly distributed.
- Chill: Transfer mixture to a casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to firm up.
- Heat the oil: When ready to fry, heat 3 inches of canola oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare coating: In one bowl, whisk together eggs and 1 tablespoon water. In another, pour panko breadcrumbs.
- Form the fritters: Scoop and roll chilled grits into 2-inch balls. Dip each ball into the egg wash, then coat evenly in panko.
- Fry: Carefully lower fritters into hot oil and fry in small batches until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes.
- Drain and serve: Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy that crispy, cheesy goodness!
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooled fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze before frying — just thaw slightly before cooking.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until crisp again.
FAQs
Can I make them ahead?
Yes! Prepare and chill the grits a day ahead — just roll and fry when ready to serve.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes — bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter version.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but pepper jack or smoked gouda add great flavor too!
Conclusion
These Grit Fritters With Ham are a Southern favorite — creamy, cheesy, and full of hearty goodness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a party platter, they’re the kind of comfort food that makes everyone smile. Serve them hot, and watch them vanish in seconds!
