grandma made a platter of these for the holiday picnic and we were literally fighting over the last piece. i can’t believe this is only 4 ingredients

4. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot to 350°F. Fry the grit bites in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and crisp.

5. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.

Variations & Tips

Add a little heat: Stir a pinch of cayenne or a few finely chopped pickled jalapeños into the grit mixture if you want a spicy version. Pepper jack can also replace some of the cheddar for extra kick.

Make-ahead tip: You can prepare and shape the grit bites a day ahead, then keep them covered in the fridge until ready to flour and fry. That makes them especially handy for parties or holiday cooking when the kitchen is already busy.

Texture tip: The grit mixture needs to be thick and cool before shaping. If it feels too soft, chill it longer. If it still seems loose, add a little extra cheese or a spoonful of flour to help it hold together.

Air fryer option: For a lighter version, spray the flour-coated bites with oil and air fry at 375°F until crisp and golden, turning halfway through. The texture will be a little different from deep-fried, but still really tasty.

Best cheese choice: Sharp cheddar gives the biggest flavor in such a short ingredient list, so it is worth using here. Freshly shredded cheese also melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.