I have officially become a lover of grits, all thanks to Matt’s Cheesy, Low Carb Grits creation! I’ll admit, I didn’t think this was possible at first, nor did I think I could overcome the earthy chia seed taste that I’m not fond of. However, this shrimp and grits recipe shocked me and left me wanting more. Make it and find out for yourself!
What About Chia Seed Side Effects?
Chia seeds are by no means mandatory for a healthy diet, but they do provide a lot of health benefits. They are a good source of fat and protein, as well as a great option for vegans and vegetarians who need an egg replacement. The are packed with:
- Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium (all essential on a keto diet)
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- Antioxidants
They are also high in fiber, and while we aren’t big proponents of needing a minimum dose of daily fiber, it can be beneficial to digestive health, helping with bowel regularity.
Homemade Grits Are Easier Than You Think!
Our goal has always been to provide you with replacement recipes for foods that you didn’t think you could eat ever again on a low-carb diet. Grits is one of those foods that is pure carbs, so it only makes sense that we do our best to come up with a replacement.
Our low-carb, homemade version is even easier than you’d think. Grind the chia seeds then soak them to create a thick, grit-like consistency. It’s that simple.
Shrimp And Cheddar Low Carb Grits
If grits were never something you enjoyed, get ready to have your mind changed. I went from someone who shuddered at the sight of them, to someone who now enjoys eating them. That being said, they must be low-carb and extremely cheesy to go down this gullet. Whether or not you’re up in the air about this recipe, I highly encourage you give these low carb grits a try and share it with your family too!
Recipe can be quickly added to MyFitnessPal – Search “KetoConnect – Low Carb Grits”

Low Carb Grits
Ingredients:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Pink Himalayan Salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
Instructions:
- Heat a bottom heavy sauce pan to medium heat and add in the broth. Allow the stock to reduce by half.
- While the broth reduces, pulse the chia seeds in a coffee grinder until ground. Set aside.
- Remove reduced broth from heat and add in the ground up chia seeds, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and whisk to combine.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Add in the butter and Parmesan and whisk to combine. If the mixture is no longer hot, return to stove top over low heat and allow butter and cheese to melt down.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Written by

Megha Barot
Megha has always been a passionate cook, but she took this to a new level after starting her keo journey in 2015. She loves creating new recipes and producing educational content for KetoConnect, which she co-founded in 2016 with Matt. Her passion for healthy eating and personal development continues to thrive. She's the proud mom of two awesome kids.
The recipes look great will try them.
Please put the word ‘grits’ in apostrophes or quotes, as these are not grits by definition.
Love all your recipes, you guys ROCK!
Hello! Looks delicious. I was wondering if there is a sweet version or this recipe? I personally prefer the sweeter cream of wheat/grits over savory.
Oh my! This was so good. I would have never imagine cheesy grits from Chia Seeds. Thank you for sharing!
Whenever I’m getting bored with keto, I always come here to find something new and satisfying. D-lish!
Prepared it, tasted it and it was nothing like grits (which was not suprising since no corn can’t taste like corn…) so I added freshly grated nutmeg and more cheese and enjoyed it as polenta 😉 Will have it again for sure! Thank for the inspiration. For those who look for more real keto grits I think you should go for cauliflower and corn extract (without the extract it’s pointless in my opinion).
Wow, wow, wow. I was so skeptical about this recipe….But I love this take on grits, I used to love grits for breakfast and now I still can….Thanks so much
Awesome! Next time I will try the traditional southern breakfast grits with cheddar/Jack cheese, bacon, butter & Tony’s creole seasoning, and scramble eggs. Also, I want to try this with pepper jack cheese. Should be great!