‘Comfort Fix’: Just 4 ingredients. I serve this every New Year.

Once the grits are tender and smooth, turn off the heat. Stir in the butter until fully melted and combined.

Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the grits are velvety and uniform in color.

Taste and add salt as needed. Spoon into bowls while hot and serve immediately. The grits will continue to thicken as they sit, so you can stir in a little extra warm water or milk just before serving if you’d like them looser.

For picky eaters, use a mild cheddar or even a Colby Jack cheese so the flavor is gentler, and serve the cheese grits with simple toppings like extra shredded cheese on the side so kids can sprinkle their own. If you have a little extra time, stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half at the end for an ultra-creamy version that feels a bit more special. To add protein, top each bowl with a fried or poached egg, crumbled bacon, or leftover rotisserie chicken. For a veggie boost, stir in a handful of finely chopped steamed broccoli or spinach along with the cheese—this works especially well if you use extra cheese to keep the flavor familiar. You can also make them ahead: cook the grits slightly looser than you like, then rewarm on low with a bit of water or milk, stirring until creamy again. If someone in your family likes a little kick, offer toppings like hot sauce, black pepper, or a pinch of smoked paprika at the table so everyone can customize their own bowl without overwhelming the more sensitive taste buds.