Cheese Grits Muffins

• all-purpose flour↗1 cup
• quick-cooking hominy grits↗1 cup
• baking powder↗1 teaspoon
• baking soda↗3⁄4 teaspoon
• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• sugar↗1 tablespoon
• egg↗1
• buttermilk↗1 1⁄2 cups
• unsalted butter↗1⁄3 cup

  melted

• hot pepper sauce↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• shredded sharp cheddar cheese↗1 1⁄2 cups

  divided

• minced fresh chives2 tablespoons

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400°.

2. 2

   Grease a 12-cup muffin pan.

3. 3

   In a bowl, whisk together the flour, grits, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. 4

   In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, buttermilk, butter, and hot pepper sauce.

5. 5

   Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just blended.

6. 6

   Gently fold in 1 cup of the cheese and chives.

7. 7

   Divide batter equally among prepared muffin cups.

8. 8

   Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

9. 9

   Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. 10

    Let cool in pan on wire rack for 3 minutes, then transfer to rack to cool.