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

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?

  1. 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.
  2. Remove the pot from the heat, and allow the corn meal to sit for 5 minutes covered to thicken.
  3. 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)

Chickpea Scrambled Eggs Recipe (Vegan, High Protein)

Creamy Vegan Grits Recipe (Dairy Free, Gluten Free) (4)

As always, if you make this vegan and gluten free grits recipe be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe, and tag me @theherbeevore on Instagram so I can feature you. I love seeing all your photos of my recipes!

Let’s keep in touch – make sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter to get free recipe inspiration.

And don’t forget to follow over on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube & TikTok – I’d love to connect with you there!

Creamy Vegan Grits Recipe (Dairy Free, Gluten Free) (5)

Creamy Vegan Grits

Creamy Vegan Grits Recipe (Dairy Free, Gluten Free) (6)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

Print Recipe Pin

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 122 kcal

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

Creamy Vegan Grits Recipe (Dairy Free, Gluten Free) (7)

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

Are grits gluten and dairy free? ›

Not only are grits naturally gluten free, but they are also very easy to prepare. In fact, the simplest method of preparation is similar to cooking rice. Check the package your grits came in to see if it comes with a recipe and, if so, give it a try.

What can I substitute for butter in my 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 do people put milk in grits? ›

Milk adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness—ideal for cheese grits—while cream adds even more richness to grits in a breakfast casserole. Buttermilk adds a bit of tanginess to recipes like our Buttermilk Stone-Ground Grits.

Are grits ok on a plant-based diet? ›

In and of themselves, grits are totally vegan. 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.

What flour is gluten and dairy free? ›

Cup4Cup's™ Wholesome Flour is the only non-GMO verified, nutrient-rich, dairy-free, gluten free, 1:1 substitution for whole wheat flour that is a source of fiber and omega fatty acids.

Is oatmeal gluten and dairy free? ›

Oats are naturally gluten-free. However, because they're often grown near wheat and processed in facilities that also handle wheat products, they're frequently cross-contaminated with gluten ( 2 ). Thus, oat milk is likewise susceptible to contamination.

Can you 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.

Which is healthier, grits or oatmeal? ›

Oatmeal has more fiber and protein, grits have more iron and B vitamins. However, oatmeal has a lower glycemic index. So for blood sugar control, oatmeal could be a better option. But when balanced right, both oatmeal and grits can fit into a healthy diet.

What's a good 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.

Why don't northerners eat grits? ›

It`s a tradition. ”Northerners don`t like grits because they expect them to have a lot of taste,” says Carl Allen, owner of Allen`s Historical Cafe in Auburndale, Fla. ”And as anyone who has eaten them knows, grits don`t have much taste. They`re just kind of blah, very bland tasting.”

How do you make grits creamy and not gritty? ›

Instructions
  1. Bring water to boil.
  2. Turn water down to medium-low.
  3. Pour in grits with one hand, whisking with the other hand.
  4. Stir for a minute and turn water to low.
  5. Stir occasionally making sure no lumps are forming.
  6. Allow simmering for at least 15 minutes.
  7. Turn off and remove from heat.
Feb 23, 2023

What does adding an egg to grits do? ›

It doesn't taste like egg, not really, but it makes the grits taste richer, with a more cohesive, rib-sticking texture. It's also an easy way to sneak a little more protein in there—six grams per egg—and I've found it amplifies the cheesiness of cheese grits, without adding any extra dairy.

What can I substitute for butter in grits? ›

Stir the olive oil and shortening or coconut oil into the grits. Add salt to taste. Serve while hot.

Are instant grits vegan? ›

This product contains 3 ingredients that are not vegan and 9 ingredients that may not be vegan. Which diet do you follow? Follow more than one?

Is oat milk OK for plant-based diet? ›

Oat milk is not milk but a water extract of oats, which has a smooth, milk-like taste and is not only a simple plant-based nutritional drink but also contributes to a healthy lifestyle (Bocchi et al., 2021).

Do grits contain milk? ›

What are grits made of? Grits are made from ground corn, usually from varieties known as dent corn. They are typically boiled with water, broth, or milk until they reach a creamy consistency.

What makes grits not gluten-free? ›

Grits are a naturally gluten-free food that can be safely eat on a gluten-free diet, as long as the brand of grits is made in a gluten-free facility. However, some grits are manufactured alongside other gluten grains, putting the product at risk of cross-contamination.

Are Quaker grits dairy free? ›

Is it Dairy Free? Yes! We believe this product is dairy free as there are no dairy ingredients listed on the label.

What foods have no gluten or dairy? ›

Foods that do not include gluten and dairy include chicken, fish, legumes, meat, fruits, vegetables, potatoes, rice, corn, and products specifically labels "gluten and dairy-free."

References

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