Bacon Grits Fritters Recipes

BACON AND GRITS FRITTERS

Steps:

• Spray 8-inch square pan with cooking spray. In 2-quart saucepan, heat milk and salt to boiling. Gradually add grits, stirring constantly; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Add cheese, bacon, onions and pepper; stir until cheese is melted. Spoon mixture into pan. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
• Shape grits into 1 1/2-inch balls. In small bowl, beat eggs and water with whisk or fork. Place bread crumbs in medium bowl. Dip balls in egg mixture, then roll in bread crumbs.
• In deep fryer or heavy 3-quart saucepan, heat 3 inches oil over medium-high heat (350°F). Fry fritters, in batches, 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Place on metal cooling rack in baking pan and keep warm in 225°F oven up to 30 minutes. Serve warm.

BACON-GRITS FRITTERS

Steps:

• 1. Prepare grits according to package directions, using 4 cups milk and 1 tsp. salt. Remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes. Stir in cheese and next 3 ingredients, stirring until cheese is melted. Spoon mixture into a lightly-greased 8-inch square baking dish or pan, and chill 4 to 24 hours. 2. Roll grits into 1 1/2-inch balls. Whisk together eggs and 1/4 cup water. Dip balls in egg wash, and roll in breadcrumbs. 3. Pour oil to depth of 3 inches in a large, heavy skillet; heat over medium-high heat to 350°. Fry fritters, in batches, 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Keep fritters warm on a wire rack in a pan in a 225° oven up to 30 minutes. Serve warm. Make ahead: Prepare recipe as directed through Step 2. Cover and chill in a single layer up to 4 hours. Fry as directed. You may also prepare through Step 2 and freeze on a baking sheet for 30 minutes or until firm. Transfer to a zip-top plastic bag, and freeze. Cook frozen fritters as directed in Step 3, increasing cooking time to 5 to 6 minutes or until golden and centers are thoroughly heated.

BAKED TWO-CHEESE & BACON GRITS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels., Add water, stock, garlic powder and pepper to bacon drippings; bring to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, 5-7 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat., Add Velveeta and butter; stir until melted. Stir in milk. Slowly stir in eggs until blended. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with bacon and shredded cheese. Bake, uncovered, 40-45 minutes or until edges are golden brown and cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake grits as directed, increasing time to 50-60 minutes or until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.