Easy Instant Grits Bowls for Quick, Filling Breakfasts
It’s still chilly in the mornings, and sometimes you just want something a little different than oatmeal. If you haven’t tried instant grits lately, they’re worth a second look. Starting with a simple packet of instant grits, you can turn breakfast into something warm, savory, filling, and fast.
These instant grits breakfast bowls are easy to customize and a great way to use up odds and ends from the fridge. They also work really well for meal prep. You can grab a pack of diced ham for the week or cook up onions and mushrooms once and use them all week long. With minimal effort, you’ve got quick breakfasts ready to go all week.
Easy Grits for Breakfast
Bacon & Butter Grits Bowl
Simple and comforting, this bowl leans on butter and bacon flavor for an easy win. Real crumbled bacon works just as well, or you can add a sprinkle of cheese for extra richness.

Cheesy Grits & Tomato Bowl
Tomatoes add a little brightness to creamy, cheesy grits. Rotel works well for a spicy kick, or you can use leftover fresh tomatoes when they need to be used up.

Cheesy Ham Grits Bowl
This bowl is creamy, savory, and filling thanks to melted cheese and diced ham. You can swap in turkey ham, leftover rotisserie chicken, or any shredded cheese you already have.

Chicken & Cheddar Grits Bowl
This bowl is mild, cheesy, and great for using up leftover chicken. Try mozzarella, Colby-Jack, or even pepper jack if you want to change up the flavor.

Mushroom & Onion Grits Bowl
Savory mushrooms and onions add depth without much effort. If you don’t have both, use whichever you have on hand, or add a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.

Pepper Jack Grits Bowl
Pepper jack gives this bowl just the right amount of heat and creaminess. Any spicy cheese works here, and a spoonful of salsa or hot sauce can add even more flavor if you like it bold.

Pulled Pork Grits Bowl
Pulled pork turns instant grits into a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs breakfast. Leftover pulled pork can be paired with pickle slices, your favorite cheese, or a sprinkle of diced onions!

Spinach & Cheese Grits Bowl
This bowl is a simple way to add greens to breakfast without extra cooking. Frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh, or swap spinach for kale or arugula.

Twists on Grits!
Instant grits bowls are an easy way to turn small amounts of leftovers into a warm, filling breakfast. A little ham, chicken, mushrooms, or cheese goes a long way when you start with a simple bowl of grits, making this a great option for using up odds and ends instead of letting them go to waste.
If you’re short on leftovers, take a look at the sauces and condiments in your fridge. Sweet and sour sauce, teriyaki, BBQ sauce, salsa, hot sauce, or even a spoonful of gravy can completely change the flavor of a bowl. When it comes to grits bowls, you’re really only limited by what you already have on hand.
