Why Make This Recipe?
If you love bold flavors and crispy bites, these Buffalo Grits Bites are for you! They’re crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and coated in a spicy Buffalo sauce that packs a punch. Paired with a cool and tangy blue cheese dipping sauce, they make the perfect appetizer for game days, parties, or anytime you need a fun Southern-inspired snack!
Recipe Overview
- Servings: 6 (about 18 bites)
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours (to firm up the grits)
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
How to Make Buffalo Grits Bites with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
For the Grits Bites:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick grits)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)
Directions
Step 1: Make the Grits
- Boil the Liquid: In a saucepan, bring chicken broth (or water) and salt to a boil.
- Cook the Grits: Slowly stir in grits and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy.
- Add Flavor: Stir in black pepper, garlic powder, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Mix well until smooth.
- Set & Chill: Spread the grits into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Smooth the top and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until firm.
Step 2: Cut and Fry the Grits Bites
- Cut the Grits: Once firm, cut the grits into bite-sized squares or circles.
- Prepare for Frying: Beat the egg in one bowl and place panko breadcrumbs in another.
- Coat the Grits: Dip each grits bite into the egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
- Heat the Oil: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Bites: Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Mix the Sauce: Stir in hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute and remove from heat.
- Toss the Bites: Place the crispy grits bites in a bowl and toss with the Buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
Step 4: Make the Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Adjust Consistency: Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk if you want a thinner sauce.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Plate the Grits Bites: Arrange the Buffalo-coated grits bites on a serving platter.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with extra crumbled blue cheese and chopped parsley.
- Dip & Eat: Serve with blue cheese dipping sauce on the side!
How to Serve Buffalo Grits Bites
- Classic Style: Serve with extra blue cheese crumbles and celery sticks.
- Mild Version: Use honey Buffalo sauce instead of classic Buffalo.
- Extra Crispy: Bake in the oven at 400°F for 5 minutes after frying to make them even crispier.
- Healthy Twist: Air fry instead of deep frying (see instructions below).
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftover bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unfried bites for up to 2 months. Thaw before frying.
- Reheat: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes to regain crispiness.
Tips to Make the Best Buffalo Grits Bites
- Use stone-ground grits for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill the grits thoroughly before cutting to keep their shape.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying—cook in batches.
- For a mess-free coating, toss the bites in Buffalo sauce just before serving.
Variation Ideas
- Air Fryer Version: Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Ranch Grits Bites: Swap Buffalo sauce for ranch seasoning and butter.
- Cheesy Grits Bites: Add pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Honey Buffalo: Mix Buffalo sauce with honey for a sweet heat flavor.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh blue cheese for the best dipping sauce flavor.
- Double-bread the bites (dip in egg and breadcrumbs twice) for extra crispiness.
- Make the sauce a day ahead to enhance the flavors.
How Many Servings?
This recipe makes about 18 grits bites, serving 6 people.
Calories and Nutrition Facts Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Fats: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
Health Benefits of Buffalo Grits Bites
- Grits provide energy from whole grains.
- Buffalo sauce contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism.
- Blue cheese offers probiotics, supporting gut health.
Is It Good for People Over 60 Years Old?
Yes! This dish is flavorful and fun to eat. For a healthier version:
- Use baked or air-fried grits bites instead of frying.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium hot sauce.
- Swap blue cheese for Greek yogurt ranch dressing.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the grits, cut them into bites, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying.
2. What’s the best hot sauce for Buffalo flavor?
Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice, but you can use any Cajun-style hot sauce.
3. Can I use instant grits?
Yes, but stone-ground grits give the best flavor and texture.
These Buffalo Grits Bites with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce are a crispy, spicy, and creamy dream! Try them today and let us know how they turned out!
