Waffled Bacon & Cheddar Grits

Preheat waffle iron to medium-high heat. Stir together first 3 ingredients. Brush hot waffle iron with melted butter. Place about 3/4 cup grits mixture in prepared waffle iron; close and cook 4 minutes or until grits are golden and crisp. Repeat with remaining grits mixture.

Waffled Gruyère & Ham Grits: Prepare recipe as directed, omitting Cheddar cheese and bacon. Stir in 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese and 1/2 cup chopped ham before cooking.

Waffled Jalapeño & Monterey Jack Cheese Grits: Prepare recipe as directed, omitting Cheddar cheese and bacon. Stir in 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped, before cooking.