Creamy Vegan Grits Recipe (Dairy Free, Gluten Free) (2024)

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These vegan grits are a creamy delicious and flavorful breakfast recipe made with plant-based butter, fresh herbs, and corn polenta grits. Ready in 15 minutes, these simple grits are a hearty filling morning meal.

Making grits vegan couldn’t be easier. They’re buttery and tasty, and couldn’t be easier. I love to serve these grits for breakfast with a peachy fruit salad or a fresh green juice in the blender.

Creamy Vegan Grits Recipe (Dairy Free, Gluten Free) (1)

I’ve always loved grits, but wanted to make a better plant-based version, and these vegan grits hit the spot! I first had grits when I was in Nashville at the infamous Pancake Pantry, and have loved them ever since.

They are a great savory breakfast recipe, and a wonderful swap if you want to switch up your daily oatmeal or smoothie. These grits are loaded with plant based butter (or olive oil), fresh herbs, red chili flakes, and can made with your favorite milk.

This Vegan Grits Recipe Is

Creamy
Salty
Herby
Savory
Easy
Hearty
Vegan & Gluten Free

Creamy Vegan Grits Recipe (Dairy Free, Gluten Free) (2)

Make Corn Grits Vegan

This vegan grits recipe is a simple way to get extra veggies in your diet. I’m all about making recipes plant-based when I can. Vegan cooking does NOT have to be bland, boring, or flavorless… It’s quite the opposite when done right. By building meals around vegan pantry staples and swapping in a few plant-based ingredients you can make better meals for you and your family.

I made a list of my 125 favorite vegan pantry ingredients that we use on a weekly basis, and check out all my vegan recipes here that are on The Herbeevore. These easy and plant-based recipes are fantastic meatless and dairy free meals for your table.

What’s In These Plant Based Grits Recipe?

I get fresh produce from my garden and from Misfits Market– they sell fantastic fruit, vegetables, & pantry staples at a discounted price. We get Misfit boxes every other week and love picking out favorite produce for delivery. Get $10 off your first box here!

Corn Meal – I love this fantastic corn polenta meal for these grits. They’re organic and have the perfect texture – and the only ingredient is organic corn. No preservatives or additives.
Almond Milk – plain and unsweetened! The higher the fat content, the creamier the milk will be. Make sure to check the sodium content of the milk before adding. I used unsweetened Almond Milk for my version of this recipe, which has 0% sodium.. I prefer almond milk, which Silk has a shelf-stable version that lasts up to a year in the pantry!
Pink Himalayan Sea Salt: I like to use a pink Himalayan Sea Salt in my kitchen, which has more natural minerals than plain processed table salt. It’s inexpensive, so I’d recommend this salt if you’re looking for an easy way to level up your spice pantry.
Vegan Butter – this vegan butter is an excellent substitute to the real deal.
Fresh herbs – you can use either chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh taste in every bite.
Red Chili Flakes: for a little heat! I like to add a few shakes to this recipe to give this dish a nice complex depth of flavor.

Creamy Vegan Grits Recipe (Dairy Free, Gluten Free) (3)

How Do I Make Grits Vegan?

In a small pot, bring the almond milk to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir the corn meal into the almond milk. Add the salt and vegan butter, and turn the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot with a lid, and continue to cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the corn meal has softened, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pot from the heat, and allow the corn meal to sit for 5 minutes covered to thicken.
Serve the grits with an extra pad of vegan butter, and top with fresh herbs and chili flakes. Enjoy!

Easy Plant-Based Grits

This vegan grits recipe is what I call an Easy Morning Meal – which is on your table in under 30 minutes. These quick and simple recipes are perfect for those days when you want an easy homecooked meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

I have a whole section of The Herbeevore dedicated to Easy Weeknight Meals, that are great for the whole family. From soups and stews, to pastas and proteins – a tasty meal can be on your table in no time. Even faster than ordering from a diner!

More Savory Vegan Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love

Sheet Pan Baked Hash Browns Recipe (Gluten Free, Vegan)

Vegan Avocado Toast, 3 Delicious Recipes!

Dairy Free Biscuits Recipe (No Milk or Butter)

Vegan Scrambled Eggs Recipe (High Protein)

Creamy Vegan Grits

Kelly Jensen

These vegan grits are a creamy delicious and flavorful breakfast recipe made with plant-based butter, fresh herbs, and corn polenta grits. Ready in 15 minutes, these simple grits are a hearty filling morning meal.

5 from 4 votes

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Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

1/3 cup corn meal
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegan butter
2 tablespoons fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro
Pinch chili flakes

Instructions

In a small pot, bring the almond milk to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir the corn meal into the almond milk. Add the salt and vegan butter, and turn the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot with a lid, and continue to cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the corn meal has softened, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pot from the heat, and allow the corn meal to sit for 5 minutes covered to thicken.
Serve the grits with an extra pad of vegan butter, and top with fresh herbs and chili flakes. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Save Money on Fresh Groceries & Pantry Staples!

I get all the fresh produce for my recipes from my garden and from Misfits Market – they sell produce & pantry staples (even wine!) at a super discounted price. We get Misfit Market boxes every month and love picking out our favorite seasonal produce for delivery. You can get $10 off your first $30 box by clicking here!

Give Misfits Market a look if you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it!

Nutrition

Calories: 122kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 837mgPotassium: 91mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 431IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 249mgIron: 2mg

Keyword dairy free grits, gluten free grits, grits no milk, grits recipe vegan, grits with water, plant based grits, vegan grits

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About the Author: Kelly Jensen

Kelly Jensen has 7 years experience as a food blogger, freelance recipe developer, content creator, beekeeper, and loves cooking everything she can from scratch.

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Creamy Vegan Grits Recipe (Dairy Free, Gluten Free) (2024)

FAQs

What are vegan grits made of? ›

Ingredients

1 cup yellow corn grits (I like Bob's Red Mill)
2 cup unsweetened almond milk.
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth.
½ cup nutritional yeast.
Salt and pepper to taste.

Jun 19, 2020

Why do people put milk in grits? ›

Aside from lots of delicious cheese, these grits get their extra creaminess by cooking them in milk. Yep. No water here! Grits are often synonymous with the South and are considered not only a Southern staple, but a tradition.

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Are grits OK on plant based diet? ›

Grits are super versatile, vegan, and there are so many unique ways you can use them. You can eat them on their own, make polenta cakes, polenta chips, casseroles, and I've seen people use them to make mini pancakes that act like tacos!

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Do grits contain dairy? ›

They're made of 100% ground corn. However, it's what gets added to them that usually makes them not vegan. Grits are often made with cow's milk or cream, dairy cheese, and dairy butter. Most grits sold at restaurants aren't vegan, unless it's a plant based establishment.

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Are grits gluten and dairy free? ›

Grits alone are naturally gluten free, but they can be cross contaminated in processing or mixed with gluten-containing flavors. Here are a few brands of grits that are known to be gluten free: Arrowhead Mills – Look for boxed yellow corn grits, typically labeled “gluten free” in very clear lettering.

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What are grits made of gluten free? ›

Traditional grits—in their pure form—come from corn, not from wheat, barley, or rye (the three gluten grains). Therefore they are gluten-free and safe to eat on the gluten-free diet.

Get More Info ›

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for grits? ›

Depending on the kind of grits you're making, you can replace some of the water with stock or broth (chicken or vegetable) or with dairy such as milk, heavy cream, or buttermilk. Milk adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness—ideal for cheese grits—while cream adds even more richness to grits in a breakfast casserole.

Can I substitute water for milk in grits? ›

Grits are often cooked in either milk or water; we prefer a combination of the two for silky grits that aren't too heavy. For additional flavor, substitute water with chicken or vegetable stock. Grits require a 1:4 cup ratio of grain to liquid.

What is a substitute for butter in grits? ›

Most people associate grits with butter but grits are also delicious and creamy when made with olive oil. Depending on who you ask, grits are similar or identical to Italian polenta. Both are made from ground cornmeal slow cooked over a low flame. Here is a recipe that we adapted from the Courier Journal.

Why is butter not vegan? ›

Traditional butter is made with churned milk or cream, which usually comes from cows (but it can also come from other animals like goats), and that's why it's not vegan. Many people also use margarine, which is similar to butter in texture and color, but it's usually made with plant-based fat instead of animal fat.

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What are the healthiest grits to eat? ›

Stone-ground grits

They qualify as whole grains because the entire kernel is ground without further processing, leaving the germ and hull in the final product. They cook the slowest and spoil the quickest. You can make them last longer by putting them in the freezer.

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What is a substitute for grits? ›

Since polenta and grits are both made from ground corn, you can use them interchangeably. Bear in mind that grits are higher in starch than polenta, so if you sub in polenta for grits, you won't have to stir it as frequently, but it won't cook up as creamy as grits.

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Do grits spike insulin? ›

Grits are a creamy Southern dish made from ground corn. While they're high in carbs and can increase blood sugar, you can eat them in moderation if you have diabetes. Just be sure to pair this savory porridge with healthy, low-carb ingredients and choose less processed, stone-ground varieties when possible.

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What plant makes grits? ›

Grits are made from ground corn, typically from less sweet, starchy varieties often referred to as dent corn. Grits can be made from either yellow or white corn and are often labeled accordingly.

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Is original grits vegan? ›

Grits do not have to be made with any animal products. In fact, you can boil cornmeal in water, add a little salt, and call it done! But most people like their grits to be more on the creamy side, and also with a little more flavor.