Cheese Grits Recipe Crock Pot: Hands-Off Creamy Southern Comfort
Ingredients
Directions / Instructions
Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Cheese Grits
Forget standing over the stove stirring constantly. This slow cooker cheese grits recipe does all the work for you, producing silky, creamy grits packed with buttery cheddar flavor. The low, gentle heat allows the grits to cook evenly while developing an incredibly smooth texture.
Perfect for holiday breakfasts, shrimp and grits, family brunches, or Southern-style dinners, this recipe is both comforting and effortless.
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits (not instant)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the crock pot with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Add the Ingredients
Combine the grits, chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in the slow cooker. Stir well.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or until the grits are tender and creamy. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
4. Add the Cheese
Once the grits are fully cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
5. Adjust the Texture
If the grits become too thick, stir in a little warm milk until they reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve
Top with extra cheddar, butter, chopped chives, or cracked black pepper and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese for the smoothest texture. Stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creaminess, while instant grits are not recommended for slow cooking. Stirring once midway through cooking helps ensure even consistency.
Storage
Store leftover cheese grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore their creamy texture. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside shrimp, fried chicken, grilled sausage, bacon, eggs, barbecue ribs, pulled pork, smoked brisket, roasted vegetables, or country ham for a classic Southern meal.
Recipe Variations
Mix in cream cheese for extra richness, substitute smoked Gouda or Monterey Jack for cheddar, stir in cooked bacon or sausage, add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or top with sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions for a vegetarian version.
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