Creamy Keto “Grits” Breakfast Bowl (Low-Carb)

I grew up loving warm, comforting breakfasts — the kind that stick to your ribs and keep you full half the day.

Traditional grits were always one of those cozy favorites, but once I started eating low-carb, they were off the table.

That’s exactly why I created this Keto “Grits” Breakfast Bowl. It gives me that same creamy, savory comfort without the carbs.

This bowl has become one of my favorite cool-weather breakfasts. It’s rich, buttery, and satisfying, topped with eggs and savory extras that make it feel like true comfort food — just keto-friendly and much lighter.

Jump to Recipe

If you’re missing classic Southern-style grits on a keto or low-carb diet, this recipe solves that craving beautifully.

Cauliflower transforms into a creamy, cheesy base that mimics the texture of grits surprisingly well while keeping carbs low and nutrition high.

Recipe Highlights

This Mediterranean Keto Breakfast Bowl is one of my favorite ways to start the day when I want something bright, fresh, and energizing instead of heavy or greasy.

It’s loaded with crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta, and perfectly cooked eggs, which means every bite has a mix of textures and flavors.

It tastes indulgent, yet it’s incredibly light and clean.

What really makes this bowl shine is the balance. The richness of the eggs and olive oil is offset by juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumber, while the feta and olives add that classic salty Mediterranean punch.

It’s satisfying without feeling overly rich — the kind of breakfast that leaves you feeling fueled rather than sluggish.

And visually? It’s gorgeous. The vibrant reds, greens, whites, and deep purples practically beg to be photographed.

Highlights:

  • Keto, low-carb, and gluten-free
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  • Creamy, cheesy, and comforting
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  • High-protein and filling
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  • Easy one-pan breakfast
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  • Perfect for meal prep

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it relies on naturally bold, complementary ingredients rather than complicated cooking techniques.

Mediterranean flavors are already balanced — salty feta, briny olives, fresh herbs, and bright lemon all enhance each other without much effort.

When paired with eggs and olive oil, the result is deeply satisfying.

It also works from a nutrition standpoint. Instead of carb-heavy breakfast foods that leave you hungry an hour later, this bowl prioritizes healthy fats and protein.

That combination keeps you fuller longer and helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the morning.

Ingredient Notes

The ingredients in this recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to recreate the texture and flavor of classic grits while staying keto-friendly.

  • Cauliflower Florets: The base of the “grits.” When steamed and blended, cauliflower becomes creamy and smooth with very few carbs.
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  • Butter: Adds richness and that classic comfort-food flavor associated with traditional grits.
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  • Cheddar Cheese: Creates a cheesy, savory depth and helps thicken the mixture naturally.
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  • Heavy Cream: Enhances creaminess and provides healthy fats for satiety.
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  • Eggs: Add protein and make the bowl a complete breakfast.
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  • Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the cauliflower and cheese.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

The healthy fats from olive oil, olives, and feta make this bowl ideal for keto and low-carb eating.

These fats help promote satiety and provide lasting energy, which means fewer cravings later in the day.

Combined with protein-rich eggs, this breakfast supports muscle maintenance and balanced blood sugar.

The fresh vegetables add fiber, hydration, and antioxidants without adding many carbs.

Tomatoes and cucumbers contribute vitamins and freshness, while herbs like parsley or dill provide micronutrients and a flavor boost.

Overall, it’s a nutrient-dense meal that feels as good as it tastes.

How to Make My Keto “Grits” Breakfast Bowl

Step 1 – Cook the Eggs:
Start by bringing a small saucepan of water to a gentle boil. Carefully add the eggs and cook them to your preferred doneness — jammy for a creamy center or fully hard-boiled for a firmer texture. Transfer them to an ice bath so they cool quickly and peel easily.

Step 2 – Prep the Fresh Ingredients:
While the eggs cool, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the Kalamata olives, crumble the feta, and chop the fresh herbs. Keeping everything bite-sized ensures each forkful includes a little bit of everything.

Step 3 – Assemble the Bowl:
Layer the vegetables into a wide bowl first, then add the sliced eggs on top. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs, and gently toss or leave layered for a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately while fresh and crisp.

Serving Suggestions

This bowl is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with other savory breakfast favorites.

Serving Ideas:

  • Crispy bacon
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  • Breakfast sausage
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  • Sautéed spinach
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  • Avocado slices
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  • Sugar-free hot sauce

Occasions to Serve This Recipe

This bowl is perfect for warm mornings when you don’t feel like cooking something heavy.

It’s refreshing, quick, and comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy weekdays when you still want a wholesome breakfast.

It’s also a fantastic option for brunch spreads. Because it’s gluten-free, keto-friendly, and vegetarian, it works well for guests with different dietary needs.

You can easily set out toppings and let everyone build their own bowl.

Variations & Substitutions

If you want to add more protein, grilled chicken, smoked salmon, or leftover steak works beautifully.

They keep the Mediterranean feel while making the bowl even more filling.

For a dairy-free version, skip the feta and use avocado or hummus for creaminess.

Both options maintain the healthy fat content and keep the bowl satisfying.

You can also mix up the vegetables with roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach.

These add new flavors and textures while keeping carbs low.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes, this bowl is excellent for meal prep. You can boil the eggs and chop the vegetables up to two days in advance.

Store everything separately to keep textures crisp.

When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble and add the olive oil and lemon at the last minute.

This keeps everything fresh rather than soggy.

If packing for lunch, layer sturdier ingredients on the bottom and keep dressing separate until serving for the best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overdressing the bowl. Too much oil or lemon can overwhelm the fresh flavors and make everything slippery.

Start light and add more if needed.

Another issue is overcooking the eggs. Chalky yolks or rubbery whites affect both flavor and texture.

Slightly tender eggs taste best and look prettier in the bowl.

Finally, don’t skip seasoning. Even the freshest vegetables need salt to really pop.

Tips for the Best Mediterranean Keto Breakfast Bowl

Use the freshest produce possible — especially tomatoes and herbs. Because the ingredients are simple, quality really matters here.

Good olive oil and creamy feta make a noticeable difference in flavor.

Cut everything evenly and avoid overdressing. Too much oil or lemon juice can make the vegetables watery.

A drizzle goes a long way. And always season at the end — salt and pepper wake up all the flavors.

Creamy Keto “Grits” Breakfast Bowl (Low-Carb)

Recipe by JoanneCourse: BreakfastCuisine: American / Southern-inspiredDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories per serving

380

kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cauliflower florets

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • ¼ cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 large eggs

Directions

  • Boil the Eggs: Fill a small saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Carefully lower the eggs into the water and cook for 7–10 minutes, depending on whether you prefer jammy or fully hard-boiled yolks.
  • Cool the Eggs: Transfer the cooked eggs immediately to an ice bath or bowl of cold water and let them sit for 5 minutes. This stops the cooking and makes peeling much easier.
  • Peel and Slice: Gently peel the shells, pat the eggs dry, and slice them into halves or quarters so the yolks stay intact and look bright and clean.
  • Prep the Vegetables: Dice the cucumber into small bite-sized cubes, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the Kalamata olives, and crumble the feta cheese. Keep everything roughly the same size for even bites and better presentation.
  • Build the Base: Add the cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta to a wide serving bowl and gently toss to combine.
  • Add the Eggs: Arrange the sliced eggs on top of the vegetable mixture so they stay visible and create a colorful layered look.
  • Dress the Bowl: Drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice evenly over the ingredients, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Garnish and Finish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or dill over the top for freshness and a pop of color.
  • Serve: Serve immediately while crisp and fresh, or chill for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld slightly before eating.

Notes

  • Best served hot
  • Blend longer for a smoother texture
  • Add toppings for extra flavor

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Store grits base in an airtight container up to 3 days
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  • Reheat gently with a splash of cream
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  • Cook eggs fresh when serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it really taste like grits?

It’s surprisingly close in texture and comfort factor, especially when cheesy and buttery.

Can I freeze it?

Freezing is possible, but the texture may soften slightly after thawing.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, just thaw and drain well before blending.

Can I make this bowl dairy-free?

Yes. Simply skip the feta and add avocado or a drizzle of tahini for creaminess.

Can I pack this for work lunches?

Absolutely. Store components separately and assemble just before eating for the freshest texture.

What herbs taste best in this bowl?

Parsley, dill, mint, or even basil all work beautifully and add a fresh Mediterranean vibe