There are some amazing southern foods that just aren't the same in New England. Like grits. Grits are most often thought of as a savory food, but this recipe gives them just a touch of sweetness. These chocolate grits are not particularly sweet, but have a nice chocolate flavor with a touch of saltiness. It's surprisingly perfect and surprisingly easy.

white textured ramekin of chocolate grits topped with coconut shavings and three raspberries with a rose gold spoon in the grits, sitting on a marbled surface, with a partial view of a slightly blurred second ramekin of chocolate grits in the background

This recipe is as simple as following the instructions on your grits, and then mixing in some butter, cocoa powder, salt, and sugar. That's it! I have not tried this with instant grits (as you may know, “no self-respectin’ Southerner uses instant grits” and if you don’t know that, stop what you’re doing and watch My Cousin Vinny right now), but making real grits is actually not that hard. I bought some local grits when I was home in Kentucky and they were as simple as boiling water and then letting them simmer. Easy peasy! But if you wanted to use instant grits, I'm sure it would still work!

white textured ramekin of chocolate grits topped with coconut shavings and three raspberries, sitting on a marbled surface

My other favorite part of this chocolate grits recipe is all the options for toppings and mix-ins! You could use nuts or berries or coconut or mini marshmallows or really anything. Because it's not super sweet, you can add a few chocolate chips on top if you wanted to sweeten it up, or fruit and coconut for a delicious afternoon snack. This is such a fun and unique treat, and I can’t wait to try more fun recipes with grits!