Paula Deen's Fried Cheese Grits

Three-cheese grits with bacon and green onion, chilled overnight, then cut, breaded, and fried golden.

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk
• 1/4 pound unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups quick grits
• 1 whole egg
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 cups shredded white cheddar
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
• 1/2 cup finely sliced green onion
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 eggs, for dredging
• Self-rising flour, for dredging
• Peanut oil, for frying

Directions

1. Heat the milk to a simmer, add the grits and butter, and stir 1 minute; reduce heat and cook 5 to 6 minutes.
2. Mix in the egg, cheeses, salt, bacon, green onion, and pepper, then spread onto a sheet pan and refrigerate overnight.
3. Cut into 1x2-inch pieces. Whip the 8 eggs; dip each piece in egg, then dredge in flour.
4. Fry in 350 F peanut oil until golden.

Notes

Recipe by Paula Deen (pauladeen.com).