2 TEASPOONS SEA SALT, PLUS MORE TO TASTE
1 CUP STONE-GROUND YELLOW GRITS
1 CUP MILK
1 CUP FRESH OR FROZEN CORN KERNELS
3 TABLESPOONS UNSALTED BUTTER
1 CUP GRATED PEPPER JACK CHEESE (ABOUT 3 OUNCES)
1 TEASPOON FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER, PLUS MORE TO TASTE
Topping:

1 SMALL SUMMER SQUASH OR ZUCCHINI, CHOPPED OR DICED
1 RED BELL PEPPER, DICED
1 TABLESPOON BUTTER
1 TABLESPOON OLIVE OIL
BASIL LEAVES, TO TASTE
2 SLICES COOKED BACON (OPTIONAL)