Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Southern culinary paradise with the most decadent, creamy, and irresistible cheese grits you've ever tasted! These slow-cooked grits are not just a side dish—they're a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Southern comfort food. Imagine a luxurious, cheesy masterpiece that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts or impressive brunch gatherings.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour the 4 cups of water into the slow cooker and add the grits, stirring gently to combine and prevent clumping.
- Season the grits mixture with salt and black pepper, adjusting to your preferred taste level.
- Cut the butter into small cubes and add them to the grits mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat setting, allowing the grits to cook slowly and develop a creamy consistency.
- Cook the grits for approximately 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the milk to enhance the creamy texture.
- In the final 10 minutes, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the grits and allow it to melt completely.
- Once cooking is complete, give the grits a final stir to incorporate the melted cheese and create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional black pepper or cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use stone-ground grits for the most authentic and rich texture. Instant grits won't deliver the same creamy consistency.
- Always stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the grits from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- For extra richness, consider using half-and-half instead of milk in the final stage of cooking.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses for more complex flavor.
- If the grits become too thick during cooking, don't hesitate to add a little more water or milk to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Let the grits rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow them to set and become even more luxurious.
- For added depth, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 40mg
