Start your morning with a nutrient-packed, comforting, and slightly sweet breakfast that brings together the creamy texture of grits with the protein-rich goodness of quinoa. These Berry Breakfast Grits are a delicious twist on a Southern classic, featuring a warm and hearty base topped with fresh berries for natural sweetness.
This dish is quick to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and incredibly versatile—making it a perfect wholesome breakfast option for busy mornings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Nutritious and Filling – The combination of grits and quinoa provides a balance of fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates to keep you energized.
✔️ Easy to Customize – Swap out berries for your favorite fruit or add crunchy toppings for variety.
✔️ Naturally Sweetened – A touch of maple syrup enhances the natural flavors without refined sugar.
✔️ Quick and Simple – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep!
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy easy, nutritious breakfasts throughout the week.
Berry Breakfast Grits Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Breakfast
Ingredients
- ¼ cup yellow grits, uncooked, rinsed
- ¼ cup red quinoa, uncooked, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or your favorites)
Instructions
1️⃣ Combine the grains
- In a small saucepan, mix the rinsed yellow grits and red quinoa together.
2️⃣ Cook the grains
- Add 1 ½ cups of water to the saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3️⃣ Flavor the mixture
- Once the grains are cooked and the water is absorbed, remove the saucepan from heat.
- Fluff with a fork and stir in maple syrup, vanilla extract, and balsamic vinegar.
4️⃣ Add toppings & serve
- Transfer the cooked grits and quinoa to a bowl.
- Top with fresh mixed berries and enjoy immediately!
Tips for Perfect Berry Breakfast Grits
- Rinse the Quinoa – This removes any natural bitterness from the quinoa.
- Stir Occasionally – Keeps the grits and quinoa from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust Sweetness – Add more or less maple syrup to match your taste preferences.
- For a Thinner Consistency – Stir in a splash of plant-based milk before serving.
Ways to Enjoy This Dish
🍓 Topped with Yogurt – Add a spoonful of dairy-free yogurt for extra creaminess.
🥥 With Crunchy Add-Ins – Sprinkle on toasted coconut flakes, nuts, or seeds.
🍯 Drizzled with Honey – Swap out maple syrup for honey or agave.
🌿 Savory Option – Omit the sweeteners and berries and add sautéed veggies instead!
Variations and Substitutions
- Grain Alternatives – Use white grits, polenta, or steel-cut oats instead of yellow grits.
- Fruit Swaps – Try bananas, mango, or chopped apples instead of berries.
- Sweetener Choices – Replace maple syrup with agave, stevia, or coconut sugar.
- Extra Protein – Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder to the cooked grains.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the grains and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving and add toppings fresh.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Both grits and quinoa are naturally gluten-free, but make sure to buy certified gluten-free grits if you have a gluten sensitivity.
3. Can I use frozen berries?
Absolutely! Frozen berries work great—just thaw them slightly or heat them for a warm fruit topping.
4. How can I make this dish even creamier?
Stir in a splash of almond, cashew, or coconut milk for extra creaminess.
5. What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
A splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar works as a great alternative.
Final Thoughts
These Berry Breakfast Grits are the perfect mix of creamy, slightly sweet, and wholesome flavors. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a quick, nutritious breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Try it out and let me know in the comments: What’s your favorite breakfast grain combination?
✨ Happy cooking! 🍓🥣
Equipment
- small saucepan
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup yellow grits, uncooked, rinsed
- 1/4 cup red quinoa, uncooked, rinsed
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup mixed berries, any of your favorites
Instructions
- Mix grits and dry quinoa.
- Place the grains and 1 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to boil. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring to it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Remove quinoa and grits mixture from the heat. Fluff with a fork and gently mix in maple syrup, vanilla extract, and balsamic vinegar. Top with berries and enjoy immediately!
