Emilie Meyer
Grits are a classic Southern dish that can be made in a crock pot. Crock pots are a convenient way to make grits, as they allow for a large batch to be cooked at once, and the slow-cooking process ensures a creamy and fluffy texture. The ability to set it and forget it makes crock pots ideal for busy mornings when a hearty meal is desired but there isn't much time to spend in the kitchen. With a crock pot, you can wake up to a delicious breakfast or enjoy grits as a side dish for lunch or dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of food | Breakfast, lunch, dinner, side dish |
| Taste | Creamy, buttery, savoury, slightly sweet |
| Ingredients | Stone-ground grits, butter, salt, pepper, water, cream, cheese, milk |
| Toppings | Bacon, shrimp, ham, sausage, cinnamon apples, sheet pan bacon, green onions |
| Recipe Yield | 12 servings |
| Recipe Duration | 4 hours on high heat, 8 hours on low heat, or overnight |
| Recipe Instructions | Spray slow cooker with cooking spray, add ingredients, stir, cook, stir in cheese, adjust seasoning |
| Recipe Tips | Use stone-ground grits, soak grits overnight, use a larger crock pot, stir occasionally |
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What You'll Learn
Crockpot grits ingredients
Overview
Grits are a classic Southern recipe that can be enjoyed any time of the day. They are typically made from dried white or yellow corn kernels that are ground up. While grits are often compared to polenta, the way they are prepared differs.
Ingredients
The basic ingredients for crockpot grits include:
- Stone-ground grits (not instant grits)
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Water
- Cream
Variations and Add-Ins
You can customise your crockpot grits by adding various ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Some popular options include:
- Cheese: Cheddar, Gruyere, or Gouda cheese can be stirred in for extra creaminess and flavour.
- Sweetness: For a sweeter twist on the traditional recipe, you can add brown sugar to your grits.
- Savoury: To make your grits more savoury, add ingredients like bacon, shrimp, chorizo, or ham.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like pepper to add a kick to your grits.
- Thickness: Adjust the thickness of your grits by adding more liquid such as milk, water, or cream.
Cooking Tips
- Cooking Time: Grits typically take around 4 hours to cook on HIGH in a crockpot, or you can cook them overnight (approximately 8 hours) on LOW.
- Stirring: Remember to stir your grits occasionally during the cooking process to prevent them from sticking or burning.
- Toppings: While you can enjoy grits as-is, consider adding toppings like butter, cheese, or bacon to enhance the flavour and texture.
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How to prepare grits for the crockpot
Preparing grits in a crockpot is a simple process. It is a classic Southern recipe that can be made in a few different ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare grits in a crockpot:
Firstly, it is important to note that only stone-ground grits should be cooked in a slow cooker. Quick-cooking or instant grits will become gluey and pasty if cooked for too long. Therefore, it is recommended to use stone-ground grits made from dried white or yellow corn kernels.
Before adding the grits to the crockpot, it is advisable to rinse them to remove any residue, such as dust, dirt, or chaff. This step ensures a better mouthfeel and taste. Additionally, some people choose to soak the grits overnight before cooking to achieve a fluffier texture.
Next, spray the inside of your crockpot generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, add the grits and water, stirring them together. You can also add milk at this stage if desired. It is recommended to use enough water to cover the grits during the cooking process.
Now, it's time to add your flavourings. You can add butter, salt, pepper, and cheese to taste. If you prefer sweet grits, you can add brown sugar instead of salt and pepper. You can also include shrimp, chorizo, ham, or bacon for a heartier dish.
Finally, secure the lid on your crockpot and choose your desired cooking time and temperature. Grits can be cooked on high heat for 2 to 4 hours or low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or even overnight. Remember to stir the grits occasionally during the cooking process.
Once the grits are cooked, give them a final stir, and adjust the seasoning, butter, or cheese to your preference. If your grits are too thick, you can add a little extra cream or water. Serve and enjoy!
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How long to cook grits in a crockpot
Yes, you can cook grits in a crockpot. The beauty of cooking grits in a crockpot is that they can be left to slow cook for several hours, meaning you can prepare them in advance and have them ready for breakfast or brunch with very little effort.
The length of time you cook your grits in a crockpot depends on the type of grits you are using and the temperature setting on your crockpot.
If you are using stone-ground grits, which are the only grits that should be cooked in a slow cooker, you can expect them to take somewhere between four and eight hours to cook. One source suggests that grits cooked on a high setting will take two to three hours, while grits cooked on a low setting will take four to six hours. However, the majority of sources suggest cooking grits on a low setting for six to eight hours. If you are cooking your grits overnight, you can expect them to be ready by morning.
It is important to note that grits cooked in a crockpot should be stirred occasionally to prevent clumping. If you are cooking your grits overnight, you should stir them whenever you wake up, about three times in total.
If you are using quick or instant grits, these will not be suitable for cooking in a crockpot as they will turn to paste.
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What to serve with crockpot grits
Crockpot grits are a classic Southern dish that can be served as a side or a main course. They are creamy, buttery, and can be prepared with various ingredients, making them a versatile dish. So, what should you serve with crockpot grits? Here are some ideas:
Meat
Crockpot grits can be served as a side dish alongside meat such as fried chicken, grilled shrimp, or barbecue ribs. The creamy texture of the grits complements the crispiness of fried chicken, while the mild flavour of the grits provides a neutral base for the bold flavours of barbecue sauce. For a heartier meal, add some shredded chicken or chopped sausage to the grits themselves.
Seafood
Seafood is also a popular choice to serve with crockpot grits. Shrimp is a classic pairing, and you can either mix it directly into the grits or serve it on the side. For a more sophisticated dish, try serving crockpot grits with seared scallops or grilled salmon. The richness of the seafood will be balanced by the creamy grits.
Vegetables
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, crockpot grits can be served with roasted vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, or carrots. You can also use the grits as a base for a vegetable stew, adding ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers. For a lighter option, serve the grits with a fresh salad, such as a spinach salad with strawberries and balsamic vinaigrette.
Eggs
Crockpot grits can also be served as a breakfast or brunch dish, and they pair well with eggs. Try serving the grits with fried or poached eggs on top, or use them as a base for an egg casserole. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make a grits Benedict by substituting the English muffin with a crispy grits cake.
Cheese
Cheese is a popular addition to crockpot grits, and you can either mix it into the grits or serve it on top. Cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan are all great options, and they add a savoury, creamy element to the dish. If you're serving the grits as a main course, a cheese grits casserole is a comforting and indulgent option.
Spices and Condiments
Finally, don't forget to season your crockpot grits with spices and condiments. Black pepper is a classic choice, and you can also add hot sauce, green onions, or chives for a flavour boost. If you like your grits on the sweeter side, try adding some honey butter or maple syrup.
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Reheating crockpot grits
When reheating crockpot grits, you have three options: using a slow cooker, a microwave, or a stovetop. Before reheating, add water or cream to the grits to loosen them up as they tend to solidify as they cool.
If you want to elevate your grits, you can put your leftovers in a tapered drinking glass and place it in the fridge. They will take the shape of the glass, and you can then slide the grits out, cut them into slices, and pan-fry them in butter or country ham drippings.
Leftover grits can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or they can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, grits can be cooked in a crock pot or slow cooker.
Grits can be cooked in a crock pot in 4 hours on a high setting or 8 hours on a low setting.
The basic ingredients for cooking grits in a crock pot are grits, water, salt, and butter.
Stone-ground grits are the best type of grits to use when cooking in a crock pot or slow cooker.
Yes, cooked grits can be reheated in a pot on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a little extra cream or water if they become too thick.
