Easy Cheesy Slow Cooker Grits
This recipe for Easy Cheesy Slow Cooker Grits is a gamechanger, they’re so incredibly simple to make. Seasoned to perfection these slow cooker grits are filled with plenty of sharp cheddar cheese to complete this easy and flavorful side dish.
What are Stone Ground Grits?
Stone ground grits are just as the name suggests, coarsely ground corn that’s turned into corn meal using a stone milling process. The texture is more coarse than quick cooking or instant grits. Stone ground grits take a bit of time and attention when made on the stovetop. While I do believe they’re well worth the effort, it’s nice to have them simmering in the slow cooker on busy days. One of my favorite ways to serve these cheese grits is topped with my succulent slow cooker braised beef ribs. Both the cheese grits and the tender ribs can be made in a slow cooker, it doesn’t get any better or simpler than that. Read more about the many faces of grits here on Southern Living.
Ingredients to Make Cheesy Slow Cooker Grits Recipe
What are grits made of? If you’ve never had Southern grits, they have a noticeably finer texture than polenta. Grits are made from corn that have had the outer hull removed and polenta is ground from whole kernel corn hence the difference in texture. They’re scrumptious served for breakfast or as a side dish at any meal of the day. This recipe for grits, uses yellow stone ground grits are mixed with chicken broth and cream then cooked with softened chive and onion cream cheese to give them a smooth and velvety texture. A generous amount of cheddar cheese is the final step to make them. Ingredients to make Easy Cheesy Slow Cooker Grits: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)
- Grits – This recipe uses yellow stone ground grits.
- Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese gives the grits a robust flavor.
- Liquid – Low sodium chicken broth adds moisture.
- Cream – Light whipping cream or heavy cream makes the grits super creamy.
- Cream Cheese – Chive and onion cream cheese seasons and stabilizes the grits.
- Seasonings – Garlic salt and black pepper.
- Butter – Two tablespoons butter adds a richness to the flavor.
How to Make the Best Easy Cheesy Slow Cooker Grits Recipe
Grits are to a Southerner what polenta is to an Italian and can be used in a variety of ways. They’re a Southern staple and always will be.
- Prepare Crockpot – Spray the bottom and sides of a 6-quart oval slow cooking lightly with cooking spray.
- Combine Ingredients – Whisk together the chicken broth, whipping cream, cream cheese, garlic salt and pepper. Add the grits and 2 cups shredded cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer Grits Mixture to the Slow Cooker – Pour into the slow cooker, stir to evenly distribute the grits.
- Cover and Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours stopping to stir periodically (Once after cooking for 2 hours then every hour or so thereafter, if possible) Cook until the grits are tender.
- Add Butter – Uncover and stir-in butter. Mix until melted. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Let Stand Uncovered – Let stand uncovered for 10 minutes prior to serving. Grits will thicken further as they cool.
Tips for Making Crockpot Cheese Grits Recipe
- Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need: 6 quart or similar slow cooker, measuring cups and spoons, whisk and cheese grater.
- Use Stone Ground Grits: This recipe uses stone ground grits not instant or quick cooking grits. It’s important to use stone ground grits to hold up to the slow cooking process.
- Crockpot Size: You can use any shape or similar size crockpot or slow cooker to make this grits recipe.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can make these grits one day up to one day in advance and chill them in the refrigerator to reheat later.
- How To Serve Cheese Grits: Serve these cheese grits topped with collard greens, make your own shrimp and grits, beef stew, smoked sausages your favorite skillet brunch dishes or simply smothered with eggs for a delicious start to your day.
- Grits Casserole: Grits can also be made into a casserole. See how in my recipe that combines two downhome favorites Southern Grits and Greens Casserole.
Easy Cheesy Slow Cooker Grits Recipe Variations
- Cheese Substitutions: You can make crockpot cheese grits using many varieties of shredded cheese. Gruyere cheese, colby jack cheese, swiss cheese, mild or medium cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese for spice.
- Herbs: You can add fresh herbs to expand the flavor profile. Fresh thyme, rosemary or chives all work well.
- Protein: You could add crispy bacon, crumbled sausage or cubed ham to the grits at the end of cooking.
- Chicken Stock Substitutions: You can use 4 cups vegetable stock or 4 cups water in place of chicken broth.
Storage and Leftovers
- Leftovers: Store cheese grits chilled in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheating Cold Grits: You can reheat grits in the microwave or on the stovetop. When reheating on the stovetop, use a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat. You’ll need additional chicken stock, cream or milk to thin the grits as they naturally solidify when chilled. Stir them constantly to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. If time allows, you can reheat them on high in the slow cooker, but this will take more time. Likewise, they will need additional liquid to thin chilled grits.
- Freezing: You can cool and freeze Crockpot Cheese Grits for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.
More Slow Cooker and Crockpot Recipes to Make
- A big bowl of Slow Cooker Potato Soup with ham is like a bowl of comfort after a stressful day.
- Crockpot Pulled Pork takes the stress out of weekday meals.
- Slow Cooked Cheesy Ranch Potatoes won’t heat up the kitchen on hot days.
- Make ahead Crockpot Pulled Chicken can be uses as an ingredient for quick and easy meals.
- Slow Cooked Smothered Swiss Steak is simmered in a rich tomato gravy.
- Crockpot Beef and Noodles is sheer comfort food after a hectic day.
- Slow Cooked Dr Pepper Baby Back Ribs melt in your mouth.
- This Crockpot Chicken and Dressing recipe is a fan favorite!
- Rich and flavorful Slow Cooked Spaghetti Sauce makes mealtime preparation a cinch.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Easy Cheesy Slow Cooker Grits
Ingredients
- 2 cups yellow stone ground grits
- 1 32 oz container low sodium chicken broth OR chicken stock
- 2 cups light whipping cream
- 1 8 oz container chive and onion cream cheese, softened
- 2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
- 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 2 Tbsp butter
Instructions
- Spray the bottom and sides of a 6-quart oval slow cooking lightly with cooking spray.
- Whisk together the chicken broth, whipping cream, cream cheese, garlic salt and pepper. Add the grits and 2 cups shredded cheese. Mix well.
- Pour into the slow cooker, stir to evenly distribute the grits.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stopping to stir periodically (Once after cooking for 2 hours then every hour or so thereafter, if possible) Cook until the grits are tender.
- Uncover and stir-in butter. Mix until melted. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Let stand uncovered for 10 minutes prior to serving. Grits will thicken further as they cool.
Notes
- Cheese Substitutions: You can make crockpot cheese grits using many varieties of shredded cheese. Gruyere cheese, colby jack cheese, swiss cheese, mild or medium cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese for spice.
- Herbs: You can add fresh herbs to expand the flavor profile. Fresh thyme, rosemary or chives all work well.
- Protein: You could add crispy bacon, crumbled sausage or cubed ham to the grits at the end of cooking.
- Chicken Stock Substitutions: You can use 4 cups vegetable stock or 4 cups water in place of chicken broth.
Can you use stone ground “white” grits? I can’t seem to find the yellow?
Yes, you could. White grits are made from white corn and yellow grits from yellow corn. It’s odd you’re unable to find yellow(most common) but you can use white, sure.