Welcome to the definitive guide for crafting the most delectable Southern Grits right in your Crock Pot. These easy Slow Cooker Southern Grits promise a consistently creamy and buttery texture, ensuring a perfect batch every single time!
Effortless Creaminess: Your Go-To Crock Pot Southern Grits Recipe
Grits are more than just a dish; they’re a cornerstone of Southern comfort food, cherished across generations. While traditionally associated with breakfast, their versatility extends beautifully to lunch and dinner, making them a fantastic accompaniment or a standalone meal. Our Crock Pot Southern Grits recipe simplifies this beloved classic, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinarily flavorful and irresistibly creamy dish. With just stone ground grits, butter, salt, pepper, water, and a touch of heavy cream, you’re on your way to experiencing the creamiest, most satisfying grits you’ve ever tasted.
“The best grits I think I have ever made! Everyone kept saying how creamy and delicious they were and asked for the recipe. Thanks so much!
– Gwen”
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Grits
Grits are a traditional staple primarily made from dried white corn kernels that have been ground into a coarse meal. While white corn is most common, some variations also use yellow corn kernels. Many people compare grits to polenta due to their similar texture and corn base. However, polenta is exclusively made from dried yellow corn and typically has a finer grind and different cooking applications. The unique processing and preparation of grits give them a distinct flavor and consistency, making them a unique Southern delicacy.
The ultimate secret to achieving perfectly creamy and delicious grits lies in slow cooking at a low temperature. This method allows the cornmeal to fully absorb the liquid and break down, resulting in that desirable smooth, velvety texture. Even on the stovetop, traditional grits require a patient 20-30 minutes of cooking. This is precisely why a slow cooker is the ideal tool for grits, as it naturally facilitates this low-and-slow approach, yielding consistently exceptional results without constant supervision.
Absolutely! Our Crock Pot Southern Grits recipe is particularly fantastic for overnight preparation, offering a huge time-saver for busy mornings or meal prep. While stirring them regularly (every 30-60 minutes) during cooking helps prevent sticking and ensures maximum creaminess, they will still turn out wonderfully delicious even if stirred less frequently. You might notice some browning or slight sticking on the sides, which often adds a delightful caramelized flavor. Prepare them the night before, and wake up to a comforting, ready-to-eat Southern classic.
Grits are a blank canvas for flavor! Most commonly, folks enjoy their grits with either savory additions like salt and butter, or a touch of sweetness with sugar, and often cheese for a richer dish. For those who prefer a savory profile, a simple sprinkle of salt and a generous dollop of butter are classic. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to elevate your grits, consider adding spicy elements such as diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a vibrant kick. For a sweet twist, replace the unsalted butter with honey butter or mix in brown sugar and cinnamon after cooking. Grits also serve as an excellent base for heartier toppings like crispy bacon, chopped ham, or the iconic Southern dish, shrimp and grits.
This recipe is incredibly adaptable for those who favor sweet grits. The single tablespoon of kosher salt in the recipe is crucial for the grits to properly absorb the water and develop their texture, so it’s essential not to omit it. We also use unsalted butter to allow for precise seasoning later. Once the grits have finished cooking and have achieved their signature creaminess, you can then stir in your preferred amount of sugar, honey, or even maple syrup. This approach ensures everyone can customize their bowl, whether they prefer sweet or savory, without compromising the foundational cooking process.
Proper storage ensures your delicious grits remain fresh and enjoyable for longer. Allow any leftover grits to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can then be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, grits freeze exceptionally well. Simply transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating grits is straightforward, with several convenient options. You can use your slow cooker on a low setting, microwave them in short intervals, or gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat. It’s important to note that grits will solidify considerably as they cool. To restore their original creamy consistency, we highly recommend adding a splash of water, milk, or extra cream when reheating. Stir frequently until they are smooth and warmed through, ensuring a delightful texture akin to freshly made grits.
Mastering Your Crock Pot Southern Grits: Key Ingredients Explored
The magic of truly authentic and creamy Southern grits lies not only in the cooking method but also in the quality and type of ingredients used. Understanding each component ensures you achieve that perfect texture and taste that defines a classic Southern staple.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Grits
- Stone Ground White Grits: This is arguably the most crucial ingredient. Unlike quick-cooking or instant grits, which are heavily processed and lack the true corn flavor and texture, stone-ground grits are minimally processed. They retain more of the corn’s natural robust taste and develop an incomparably creamy consistency when slow-cooked. Using anything other than stone-ground grits for this recipe will not yield the same rich, authentic results. If you live outside the Southern states, finding quality stone-ground grits might be a bit challenging in regular grocery stores, but they are often available in specialty markets or can be conveniently purchased online. (For your convenience, the ones I recommend are available here on Amazon.)
- Water: While it might be tempting to substitute water with milk for extra creaminess, it’s generally not recommended for the initial cooking phase of grits. Grits cook best and absorb liquid most efficiently in water. Using a large quantity of milk from the start can lead to a sticky, gummy texture and risks scorching. We achieve the ultimate creaminess by incorporating rich heavy cream towards the end of the cooking process, allowing the grits to first fully hydrate and soften in water.
- Salt and Pepper: For this classic dish, we believe in keeping the seasoning simple and allowing the natural flavors of the grits and butter to shine. A touch of salt is essential not just for taste, but also to aid in the hydration and swelling of the corn kernels, ensuring a proper, creamy consistency. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth. Remember, you can always adjust seasonings to your personal preference at the end, adding more salt or other spices as desired.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter offers greater control over the overall sodium content of your grits. When preparing a large batch for guests, it’s ideal to let individuals season their own portions, as some may prefer a sweeter profile over savory. The butter is incorporated early to infuse the grits with its rich, velvety flavor throughout the slow cooking process, contributing significantly to the luxurious texture. If you’re certain everyone enjoys savory grits, you can certainly add more salt after cooking to taste.
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret ingredient for transforming already good grits into an exceptionally creamy masterpiece. Added at the very end, heavy cream melts into the grits, enriching them with an unparalleled richness and silkiness. While whole milk can be used as a substitute, for that truly decadent, melt-in-your-mouth texture, heavy cream is superior. Avoid low-fat milk, as it won’t provide the desired lusciousness and could result in thin, watery grits.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Irresistibly Creamy Slow Cooker Grits
Preparing perfectly creamy Southern Grits in a slow cooker is incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor and texture. Follow these steps for a foolproof batch every time:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients. Begin by adding your stone ground grits, water, kosher salt, and black pepper into a 6-quart or similar-sized slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to ensure the ingredients are well combined and the grits are evenly distributed in the liquid. This initial mix is crucial for consistent cooking.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection. Next, scatter the sliced unsalted butter over the top of the grit mixture. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 7-8 hours, or if you’re short on time, set it to high for 3-4 hours. The slow and steady cooking is key to breaking down the grits into that wonderful creamy consistency. If possible, stir the grits every 30 minutes to an hour. This helps prevent sticking to the bottom and sides, ensuring an even cook and consistent creaminess throughout.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touch. Once the cooking time is complete and the grits are tender and creamy, give them a final thorough stir. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir it in completely. Continue to cook the grits for an additional 15 minutes on low. This brief final cook time allows the heavy cream to warm through and fully incorporate, creating an even richer, more luxurious texture that is the hallmark of truly exceptional Southern grits.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy. Serve your creamy Crock Pot Southern Grits immediately. For an extra touch of indulgence, offer more butter, salt, and pepper at the table, allowing everyone to customize their bowl to perfection. These grits are delicious on their own or as a versatile base for various toppings.
Beyond the Bowl: Creative Serving Suggestions and Flavor Variations
While classic butter and salt are always a hit, don’t hesitate to get creative with your grits! For a savory twist, consider stirring in shredded cheddar, Gouda, or Parmesan cheese right at the end to make delectable cheese grits. A sprinkle of fresh chives or chopped green onions can add a fresh, herbaceous note. If you’re looking to make it a hearty meal, serve these creamy grits alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or seared ham. They also form the perfect bed for classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits, or even a spicy sausage gravy. For those who prefer a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or a spoonful of fruit preserves can transform your grits into a delightful breakfast treat.
Craving More Southern Delights?
If you loved these creamy grits, we have plenty more Southern-inspired recipes to tantalize your taste buds. Explore our collection of comforting classics:
- Country Ham with Red Eye Gravy
- The Best Southern Fried Chicken (+Video)
- Shrimp and Grits
- Southern Caramel Cake (+Video)
- Southern Pecan Pie (+Video)
- Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
- Red Beans and Rice
- Deviled Eggs
Crock Pot Southern Grits
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Ingredients
- 2 cups stone ground grits
- 7 cups water
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup unsalted butter, sliced
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Place 2 cups stone ground grits, 7 cups water, 1 Tablespoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper into a 6-quart or similar-sized slow cooker, and stir to combine.
- Top with 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced and place on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir every 30 minutes to an hour, if possible.
- Once done, stir well, then stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Continue to cook for 15 more minutes to warm up the cream.
- Serve immediately with more salt, pepper and butter, if desired.
Video Guide
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- You can also stir in cheese right at the end for delicious cheese grits.
- To reheat, use the slow cooker, microwave, or stovetop. Grits will solidify as they cool down, so we suggest adding more water or cream to loosen them up to their original creamy texture.
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information (Estimated)
Carbohydrates: 21g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 12g |
Sodium: 592mg |
Fiber: 0.4g |
Sugar: 0.5g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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