Creamy Crockpot Grits

Crockpot Grits is an awesome dump and start Crockpot recipe you’ll want to make again and again. These grits are great for meal prep and if you’re making them for breakfast, you can easily start them the night before, making breakfast the next morning a breeze.  

Slow Cooker Grits are the perfect side dish to compliment your dinner too. And they’re pretty effortless. Think about those busy nights where you just want a cozy comfort meal ready to go when you get home. One of my go-to dinners is the classic Creole Shrimp and Grits. #somuchyum

Depending on how you make your grits, they can either be sweet or savory. This can change whether you want them for breakfast, a side or dinner too. And if you’re wanting true Southern style grits, I bet you’re thinking sweet grits shouldn’t exist. But folks, keep an open mind and try out some variations. 

What Are Grits?

Grits are a southern staple American food. You can find a similar Italian version called Polenta but they’re not as fine. 

Southern Grits a porridge type meal that’s made from dried corn kernels that have been ground up. Cooked Grits tend to be a thick, smooth, creamy, lightly flavored meal. Depending on what things you add to your grits will determine your flavor. 

Stone-ground grits, which are recommended for this recipe, are ground on a stone mill and are much more coarse than polenta and other types of grits. They also retain more sweetness from the corn than other grits. 

Why You’ll ♡ This

• Easily customizable – Think different meals here including breakfast and sides.
• Easy to prep ahead – They taste even better and creamier the longer they cook.
• Budget-Friendly – Inexpensive, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Tools You Need

• A crockpot.
• Mixing bowls.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Best ever sea salt flakes.

Soooo, let’s gather up those ingredients and I will show you ….

How To Make Crockpot Grits

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Soak your grits in 4-5 cups of water. 
2. The grits will release a part of them that you don’t need. It will float to the top of your soaking water. Skim this off and discard. 
3. Drain your grits in a strainer. 
4. Add grits to the slow cooker. Then add your water, salt and butter. Mix it all together. 
5. Cover and cook your grits on LOW for 7-8 hours. 

Expert Recipe Tips

• Make sure you rinse your grits before you cook them to remove that protective coating that’s harmless but feels odd in your mouth. 
• Don’t forget to soak and skim the grits or they won’t turn out correctly. 
• Try draining the grits in a strainer to really make sure they’re ready to cook. 
• It may help to spray your crockpot insert with non-stick spray before adding grits. 
• For easier cleanup, use a crockpot liner. 
• Slow cookers cook at different temperatures and may require different cooking times. Check your specific make and model and consult the manual to ensure proper cooking time and temperature. 

Delicious Variations

There’s so many reasons to love Southern Crockpot Grits and here are a few other alterations and adaptations to make to find other ways to enjoy them. 

• Add sweetness: Try brown sugar, maple syrup, or stevia. 
• Add dairy: Add more butter, cream, milk, or cheese.  

Meal Prep, Prep Ahead, Freeze, Reheat And Store

These delicious grits are an ideal meal prep recipe because they can be easily stored in the fridge or freezer until you need them. I love to make big batches and freeze till out when I need them.

• Prep Ahead – Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
• Store – In an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. 
• Freeze – Let grits cool down then transfer into these very handy Ziploc freezer bags. Squeeze out all the extra air and seal the bags. Label the bags and then lay them flat in the freezer. Store in the freezer for 3+ months.
• Reheat – If you want to reheat your refrigerated grits, break up the congealed grits into pieces and add them to 1 cup of boiling water to loosen them up as you whisk them constantly on low heat.
• Meal Prep – Feel free to make a fair amount of grits and with a few adjustments you can get several meals out of them

FAQs

What Kind Of Grits Should You Use?

Make sure you’re using Stone-Ground Grits for this crockpot recipe. Guys, if you’re wondering if you can use quick or instant grits, the short answer is no. Keep reading below to see why. 

Folks, you want to make sure you’re using the right grits for the slow cooker. They usually take 60-90 minutes on the stovetop, so you know they’re good for slow cooking. 

The quality and creaminess of these grits gets better the longer they simmer and cook without becoming pastey glue like other types of grits would.  

Can You Keep Grits Warm In A Crockpot?

Yes, you can make your grits ahead of time and then keep them warm in your slow cooker. All you have to do is stir the grits occasionally and make sure to a little water as necessary if they thicken up too much. 

What Is The Ratio Of Water To Grits?

When making your Slow Cooker Grits, it’s important to use 1 cup of grits to 4 cups of water. 

What’s The Difference Between Quick And Instant Grits?

Just like oats, there are various kinds of grits. Quick and Instant Grits are some of the most common and they really shouldn’t be cooked in your slow cooker (they’re best made on the stove). The only real difference between them is in granulation size;

• Quick grits are ground super fine and only take about 5 minutes to cook.
• Regular grits are medium grind and take twice as long to cook about 10 minutes.
• Instant grits are fine in texture and have been precooked and dehydrated and only need boiling water to prepare them. 

Pro Tip: Instant and Quick Grits will turn to mush if you use them in the Slow Cooker. Trust me, only use Stone-Ground Grits in the Crock Pot. 

Can You Cook Grits The Night Before?

Guys, keep in mind that grits are the freshest and creamiest right after they’re made. However, if you need to cook them ahead of time you can. You can make them up to 2 days ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. 

What Are The Black Specks In Grits?

I know for some people the black specks in grits can be a turn off, but they aren’t anything that should be. 

The dark specks that you see are the particles of germ that’s left in the product. The corn kernel is darker in color and it’s completely normal to see dark or black flecks throughout your grits. 

Serving Suggestions

• 10 Minute Blackened Shrimp.
• Southern Salmon Croquettes.
• Smothered Pork Chops.

More Southern Recipes

• Southern Fried Pork Chops and Gravy.
• Easy Southern Grape Salad.
• Southern Squash Casserole.
• Chicken and Waffles.
• Bourbon Buttermilk Pie.
• Southern Banana Pudding Cake.

Weight Watchers Points 

There are 9 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving.

Thank you for reading my Crockpot Grits recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

Get The Slow Cooker Grits Recipe: