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Crockpot Grits

Sep 25, 2022 · 18 Comments

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Collage with a bowl of grits topped with a pat of butter, chives, and black pepper on top, a slow cooker full of grits with butter and chives on bottom, and the words "crock pot grits" in the center

These easy Crockpot Grits are the creamiest and best southern-style grits you will ever have. Grits are a southern staple and these are slow cooked to perfection with a swirl of cream and butter.

A close up of a small bowl full of crockpot grits topped with melting butter, fresh chopped chives, and black pepper,

Crockpot Grits

This Crockpot Grits recipe is epically creamy. They are the best southern-style grits, and they are even more amazing because of how easy they are to make!

They're perfectly suited for cooking in the slow cooker because a low and slow cook-time means amazingly rich and creamy grits.

Most grits need to be stirred frequently on the stove for up to 45 minutes! These are completely hands-off and turn out perfectly creamy and delicious with just grits, water, and salt. Finish it off with a swirl of cream and butter for extra richness and creaminess.

What Are Grits?

Grits are a Southern staple made from ground corn. They are served as a breakfast dish, side dish , or even the base to a shrimp entree.

They aren't made from your typical sweet corn, but from a less sweet and starchy variety, often referred to as dent corn. Grits can be made from yellow or white corn and are labeled as such.

What is the Secret to Cooking Grits?

The secret to cooking grits is cooking them low and slow, along with seasoning them properly. Plus, cream and butter don't hurt either, and make grits better whether you're serving them sweet or savory. All of these tips together give you the richest, creamiest grits possible (which is why this slow cooker version is so amazing!).

Are Grits Better with Milk or Water?

I personally think the best way to cook grits is with water, adding butter and cream at the end.

What's the Difference Between 5-Minute Grits and Old-Fashioned Grits?

The difference between 5-minute grits and old-fashioned grits is the cook time. Like minute rice, 5-minute grits have a very quick cook time. They are ground into finer granules.

Old-fashioned grits have a longer cook time due to their larger granule size.

What Grits are Best for Crockpot Grits?

Because we'll be cooking them for a long time in a slow cooker, the best grits for Crockpot grits are the stone ground old-fashioned grits.

What is the Southern Way to Eat Grits?

In the south, grits are more commonly served savory, with just butter and salt. Additions like shredded cheese and parmesan, bacon, sausage crumbles, chives, green onions, or even shrimp also sometimes make an appearance.

How to Serve Grits

Grits can be served sweet or savory. Sweet grits might include honey, sugar, or maple syrup as the sweetener with a possibly a sprinkle of cinnamon or some fresh fruit.

Savory grits can be served with just butter and salt or a variety of other toppings such as cheese, chives, or bacon.

Crockpot grits can be served as a side dish for breakfast or brunch. It is also often served as the base of the southern dish "shrimp and grits."

Slow cooker full of creamy grits topped with melting butter, fresh chives, and black pepper

Crockpot Grits Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best parts of grits is their mild, versatile flavor. Because of this, they can take on a variety of other flavors and still be delicious. Here are some topping and add-in ideas to consider:

  • Cheese - Grits are absolutely delicious with cheese. Stir in the cheese while the grits are still very hot so that the cheese will melt in properly.
  • Bacon or Sausage - Cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage adds extra protein and flavor to grits.
  • Eggs - Nothing better than grits topped with a fried egg.
  • Herbs - Fresh herbs such as chives, thyme, basil, parsley, or oregano will pack a lot of fresh flavor with very little effort.
  • Heat - Add some red pepper flakes or a couple of dashes of Tabasco to up the spiciness.
  • Sweetener - Add sugar, honey, or maple syrup to sweeten your grits.
  • Cinnamon - A sprinkle of cinnamon to go with the honey or maple syrup can be amazing.
  • Fruit - Fresh or dried fruit add some sweet and tart flavor to grits and a little extra nutrition as well.

Can You Keep Grits Warm in the Slow Cooker?

Yes! You can leave them on warm in the slow cooker for a brunch or holiday. Just stir every once in a while so that they don't burn.

More Southern Recipes You'll Love

  • Southern Buttermilk Biscuits - mile-high, fluffy buttermilk biscuits.
  • Southern Sausage Gravy - white gravy made with sausage and sausage drippings, best served over the buttermilk biscuits above.
  • Best Ever Chicken Pot Pie - I do mean BEST. This is a favorite on the blog and in our house.
  • Southern Pan Fried Catfish - quick and easy cornmeal-coated catfish quickly pan-fried to golden perfection.
  • Southern Corn Pudding - a corn casserole made from cornbread mix, sweet corn, and lots of cheese!

Crockpot Grits Video

A small bowl full of crockpot grits topped with melting butter, fresh chopped chives, and black pepper

Crockpot Grits

These easy Crockpot Grits are the creamiest and best southern-style grits you will ever have. Grits are a southern staple and these are slow cooked to perfection with a swirl of cream and butter.
5 from 17 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Crockpot Grits
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours hours
Total Time: 7 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories:
Author: Michelle
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups stone ground grits
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 6 tablespoons butter cut into slices
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Add grits, water, and salt to a slow cooker. Stir.
  • Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
  • Uncover. Pour in cream. Scatter butter slices on top. Whisk grits until they are an even consistency and butter has melted.
  • Add pepper to taste before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Breakfast, Crockpot, Gluten Free, Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegetarian

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janessa says

    October 13, 2022 at 7:28 am

    I love grits but had never thought to cook them in a slow cooker. These turned out great!

    Reply
  2. Beth says

    October 13, 2022 at 8:04 am

    Love how creamy these were. I'll be slow cooking grits from now on!

    Reply
  3. Jess says

    October 13, 2022 at 8:21 am

    I didn't know I could make grits in the crockpot. Super simple!

    Reply
  4. Gloria says

    October 13, 2022 at 8:50 am

    I love cornmeal, so grits are similar. I live in Canada, so they are a little tricky to find. I do find them, and they are delicious.

    Reply
  5. Toni says

    October 13, 2022 at 8:51 am

    I love how creamy and comforting it is!! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  6. Shashi says

    November 14, 2022 at 6:48 am

    Your grits cooked up so light and fluffy! Don't think am ever going back to instant grits after trying your recipe!

    Reply
  7. Rachna says

    November 14, 2022 at 7:14 am

    These look so creamy and delicious. I am definitely going to give them a try.

    Reply
  8. Toni says

    November 14, 2022 at 7:53 am

    This is so good!! My kids surprisingly enjoyed it! A new favorite side dish at my house!

    Reply
  9. Jen Vinuya says

    November 14, 2022 at 8:04 am

    I really love how creamy and tasty it is!! My whole family really enjoyed it! Can't wait to make it again!

    Reply
  10. Juliane says

    November 14, 2022 at 8:30 am

    This is so good! My mom really loved it!

    Reply
  11. Lisa says

    February 01, 2023 at 10:15 am

    I have never made grits like this in a slow cooker. I made them for a brunch at work and everyone loved them! I'll definitely make them again!

    Reply
  12. Marilyn says

    April 10, 2023 at 3:12 pm

    I decided to give this recipe a try without testing first, which is somewhat risky since it was for our church's Sunrise breakfast. I made two crockpots, doubling the recipe in each. The grits turned out AMAZING and my husband who is a "self professed grits connoisseur" said they were wonderful!
    Many people requested the recipe! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      April 11, 2023 at 12:15 pm

      So glad everyone enjoyed them!

      Reply
  13. Ali says

    July 29, 2023 at 11:29 am

    I’ve never tried making grits in the crockpot, but this is such a great idea!

    Reply
  14. Elizabeth says

    July 29, 2023 at 1:34 pm

    I like this easy method of making grits in the crockpot. Anything that is a time saver when cooking is a winner in my book! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  15. Holley says

    July 29, 2023 at 1:56 pm

    This is my new favorite way of making grits! So easy and absolutely delicious!

    Reply
  16. Anjali says

    July 29, 2023 at 2:10 pm

    I've never made grits in the crockpot before so I can't wait to try your recipe! It looks so much easier than stovetop grits!

    Reply
  17. Beth says

    July 29, 2023 at 3:23 pm

    I love that this delicious side dish is made in a slow cooker! This way I'm freed up to continue to make the rest of a hearty breakfast! Perfect!

    Reply

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Hello! I'm Michelle!
I'm a comfort food lover and self-taught cook with five amazing kids and a firefighter husband, surviving mostly on coffee. I love to create easy and delicious family recipes, and share creative family tips I've learned along the way.
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