Why Do Restaurant Grits Taste So Much Better Than the Ones I Make at Home?

When you step into a restaurant and take a bite of their grits, the difference in flavor is noticeable. Often, restaurant grits seem to have a richer, more corny taste, and I was curious to understand why. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this and provide tips to help you recreate those restaurant-quality grits at home.

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

Using superior quality grits is the first step. Unlike the everyday grits available in your local grocery store, premium brands such as Anson Mills offer a richer and more authentic taste. Instead of relying on generic brands, it's worth investing in high-quality grits, as they can significantly enhance the overall flavor of your dish. Alongside the grits, the quality of additional ingredients also plays a crucial role.

Elevate Your Ingredient Game

For a truly luxurious grits experience, opt for whole milk instead of non-fat milk, and use butter from well-known brands like Kerrygold or Strauss rather than generic margarine like Parkay. Flaky sea salt should be your go-to for that extra touch of refined taste. In the event that you are adding cheese, choose high-quality cheeses such as cave-aged Gruyere, genuine Parmesan-Reggiano, or other premium varieties. These small changes in ingredients can greatly impact the final product, making it taste more like the grits enjoyed at a restaurant.

The Art of Cooking and Seasoning

In both savory and breakfast-style grits, the cooking method and seasoning are paramount. For savory grits, a rich, flavorful broth is often used, which can be combined with cheese or other seasonings. For breakfast-style grits, a creamy texture with a mix of butter and milk is ideal. Many restaurants use a higher quality of grits and know exactly how to cook and season them to perfection.

One common mistake in home cooking is using too little liquid with grits and under-seasoning them. Home-cooked grits often lack the same robust flavor and texture that you might find in a restaurant, which is often due to these oversights. To ensure your home-cooked grits turn out fantastic, it's important to rectify these issues.

Optimizing Your Cooking Method

Following restaurant techniques at home can help you achieve better results. Start by adding more salt during cooking. Many restaurants use a firmer hand with salt, leading to a more flavorful dish. Adding milk instead of just water for boiling grits can also enhance the corn flavor. Additionally, adding butter to the grits once they are cooked can bring out an even richer texture and taste.

Ask the Expert

If you are still struggling to recreate the restaurant quality, ask the restaurant staff about their grits. Find out what brand they use, the coarseness of the grits, and the cooking method they follow. This information can provide valuable insights into achieving the perfect grits. The first and perhaps most crucial tip, however, is adding more salt during the cooking process.

Restaurants have a better understanding of how to season and prepare their grits, and by following their lead in terms of quality ingredients and cooking techniques, you can bring this restaurant-level flavor to your home cooking. So go ahead and try these tips, and elevate your grits game to new heights!