Good grits can take some time, but they are well-worth it. However, for those who are too busy to prepare them from scratch, the slow cooker is an option that requires only 5-10 minutes hands-on time, yet the results taste like hours were spent. The following recipe for Slow Cooker Garlic Cheese Grits was adapted from a favorite cookbook, Big Bad Breakfast: The Most Important Book of the Day. By using the slow cooker, you can get creamy, flavorful grits, without having to resort to the substandard quick cooking variety that in most Southern circles would be considered a real food crime. Stone-ground grits are preferable, and can be ordered online if they aren’t available in your area. Believe me, they are worth it.

These yummy grits are perfect to serve for breakfast with country ham, bacon, or sausage and fried eggs. They can also be served for dinner with spicy barbecued shrimp for a classic, updated version of Shrimp and Grits. These grits are delicious served as a side dish to grilled meats or poultry.

The advantage to preparing grits in the slow cooker is that they keep for several hours on warm, and can actually be reheated to a creamy consistency by adding liquid and whisking until smooth. These grits are very flavorful, but are very quick and easy to put together.

6 Servings

1 cup stone ground grits, or if you must, regular grits, but not instant or quick-cooking
3 cups chicken broth, or 3 cups water and 3 chicken bouillon cubes
2 cups milk
1 to 2 cloves finely minced garlic

6 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Mix the grits, chicken broth, milk, and garlic in a 3-4 quart slow cooker.
2. Cover, set the slow cooker to high, and let cook one hour.
3. Turn the slow cooker to low, stir the grits, cover, and let cook an additional 4-6 hours. Although the grits will appear to be cooked after about two hours, they need the additional time to become creamy with a perfect texture.
4. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese.
5. Serve immediately. The grits will stay creamy for several hours if kept on low and stirred occasionally.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 306 Calories from Fat 163
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 53% Protein 13% Carb. 34%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 18 g
Saturated Fat 11 g
Cholesterol 50 mg
Sodium 1076 mg
Total Carbohydrate 26 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 10 g

Vitamin A 13% Vitamin C 2% Calcium 0% Iron 3%