The 5 Most Acceptable Toppings for Grits, Ranked

5. Syrup

Pancakes? Sure. Waffles? Why not. French toast? Knock yourself out. But if you’re a grown-ass man pouring syrup on a plate of piping-hot grits, you’ve got some soul searching to do.

4. Salt and pepper

We’re not even gonna acknowledge the lost souls who sprinkle sugar on their grits. If you’re reaching into the spice rack, stick with the most iconic duo since Erick and Parrish were making dollars.

3. Butter

Not no Parkay. Not no margarine. Strictly butter. Everything else is just a (country) crock.

2. Cheese

There’s an appropriate time and place for cheesiness: here and right damn now.

1. Shrimp

Folks from the Bayou know good and well that graduating this sacred side to a whole-ass meal is the wave. You simply can’t top a classic. (Also acceptable: fish and grits and all that pimp shit.)