Creamy vegan grits with plant-based cheese and crispy, smoky mushroom bacon is a hearty breakfast or brunch. And it's so easy to make!
We are a grits family, y'all. Every weekend, we make vegan grits for breakfast or brunch using basically whatever savory toppings are in the fridge. I particularly love this combination of cheese-spiked vegan grits, because the combination of flavors and textures is just out of this world.
Feeling more casserole-y? Try my vegan cheese grits casserole with mushroom sausage instead!
Recipe notes
I like to start off by making the mushroom bacon in the oven. Just toss sliced shiitake mushrooms together with liquid smoke and some simple seasonings, and bake until the mushroom pieces are nice and crispy.
You can make vegan grits using quick grits or traditional grits. When I say "quick grits," I mean the kind that take five minutes on the stovetop.
Do not use instant grits for this recipe. They cook up too quickly, and they'll get dry before your cheese has a chance to melt.
Before adding the grits to the pan, though, sauté a couple of cloves of garlic in olive oil. Then, it's time to make those grits!
Because you can use different kinds of grits, I do not specify the amount of grits or water. Instead, flip over your package, and use the amounts to make four servings.
That amount will vary, depending on whether you're using quick grits or regular.
I also recommend using vegetable broth instead of water in this recipe. It just gives it such a nice flavor boost! You're welcome to use water, though, if you don't have broth handy.
To cook your grits, bring your water or broth to a boil in the pan with the sautéed garlic. Then, simmer the grits until they're tender.
And now, it's time to get cheesy.
Turn off the heat, and add a splash of soy or oat milk to your pan along with vegan cheddar shreds. The ambient heat in the pan will melt the cheese, yielding creamy, vegan cheese grits that will, frankly, knock your socks right off.
Dish this up with the mushroom bacon on top along with a generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped tomatoes and green onions.
How to store
Got leftovers? No problem! You've got options.
I like to store my leftovers in a microwave safe container with a tight fitting lid. That way, I can just pop them into the microwave to warm them up. If they end up too thick, just add a splash of soy or oat milk, and stir.
If you don't microwave, just transfer any leftover grits to a small saucepan with a splash of soy or oat milk, and warm on medium heat. Stir constantly, until the grits are heated through and smooth.
If you have a lot of leftover grits, make them into grit cakes! I don't recommend making grit cakes from grits that you've stored in the fridge, though. You'd want to do this right away.
Vegan Grits Recipe
Ingredients
For the mushroom bacon
- 5 ounces sliced shiitake mushrooms - ¼" strips
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the vegan cheese grits
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- vegetable broth or water - to make 4 servings of grits, according to your package directions, see note
- grits - to make 4 servings of grits, according to your package directions, see note
- 1 cup vegan cheddar shreds
- 2 tablespoons soy or oat milk
- salt and black pepper
- diced tomato and green onions - for topping
Instructions
Make the mushroom bacon
- Preheat the oven to 400° F.
- Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl, tossing to coat the mushrooms well in the bacon seasonings. Transfer to a lined baking sheet, spreading the mushrooms into a single layer.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the mushrooms are nice and crisp.
Make the vegan grits
- In a small saucepan, heat the oil on medium high. Add the garlic and saute until it softens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the broth or water, and bring to a boil, then toss in the grits. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring, until the grits are done, adding water by the tablespoon if the grits get too thick too fast. How long this takes and how much broth/water you need depends on the grits you’re using.
- When the grits are finished cooking, turn off the heat, and add the cheese and soy milk to the pot. Stir until the cheese is completely melted.
- Divide the grits between your serving bowls. Serve topped with the mushroom bacon and a little diced tomato and scallion.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
Grits are just stoneground, dried hominy, which is a type of corn. You cook them up oh the stovetop or in the microwave, just like you would any other whole grain. (Corn is a grain. Who knew?)
Think of grits as slightly coarser polenta. In fact, you can use polenta in place of grits in most recipes, including this one!
A lot of people think that grits aren't vegan, but they're actually just dried, stone-ground corn. Plain grits, including Quaker grits, can totally be part of a vegan or plant-based diet.
I get where that myth comes from, though. Here in the American Southeast, we tend to load up our grits with cheese or butter. Or sausage. Or bacon. Or all of it.
At a restaurant, you definitely want to ask if those grits on the menu are vegan. But at home, it's incredibly easy to make delicious, satisfying dairy-free grits!
You have so many options to dress up plain grits! Vegan butter is a common addition, and that is how you get good, creamy grits. You can also stir vegan cheese shreds into your grits, and they'll melt.
You can also season your grits with things like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, etc.
I love adding veggies to grits like cooked mushrooms or broccoli, chopped tomato, diced green onion, or sautéed sweet onion. Grits with avocado and tofu is also super delicious and filling.
Julie Todd
I do not have any liquid smoke is there another suggestion? I have coconut aminos and I have a BBQ coconut aminos. I would like to try this tomorrow for breakfast.
Becky Striepe
If you have smoked paprika or mild chipotle chili powder, you can use either of those to taste.
Alex
Very tasty! This recipe was quick and easy. I added liquid smoke and shallots to the mushrooms and a bit of vegetable stock to the grits. I'll definitely make this again, thanks for the great recipe.
Becky Striepe
Oh, those additions sound lovely!
Cadry's Kitchen
This sounds terrific! I can't resist those salty, smoky flavors. I used to be suspicious of liquid smoke too, but like Robin said, it's just condensed smoke trapped in water. I do look for brands, however, that don't have anything else added to them. The only brand I've found that is just condensed smoke is Wright's. I get their hickory smoke. It seems like that brand is a little stronger than others, though, and so I always use way less than is called for in any recipe.
Becky Striepe
That is good to know, Cadry! I have a bottle that Dave picked up but don't remember which brand it is. I need to double check!
Robin
Liquid smoke is just the smoke from wood chips trapped in water then filtered. No chemicals or animal products.
Becky Striepe
That is good to know! I'm not super trusting when I see 'natural' on a food label. Maybe I'll try a liquid smoke version next!
Laura
Oh man - this looks divine! I can't wait until I'm feeling better and cooking again.
Becky Striepe
Thank you! I hope you bounce back soooon!
acookinthemaking
Wow, cheesy grits sounds absolutely perfect right now. I love the toppings you chose too! It just looks like a totally delicious, warming, and well-rounded meal.
Becky Striepe
Thank you!
mindfullyfrugalmom
I never would have thought to make vegan bacon! It actually looks yummy!
Becky Striepe
Thank you! It's surprisingly bacon-like: salty, smoky, and crispy!