How To Make Creamy Grits Without Lumps Every Time (2024)

Recipes

Published Updated on

Jump to Recipe Card

I don’t know anyone who makes a pot of creamy grits like my momma. They are the yummiest, creamiest, perfectly not gritty grits you ever wanna have.

Table of Contents

The links in this post may be affiliate links. That means that if you click them and make a purchase, this site makes a commission. It will have no impact on the price you pay or the experience of your purchase.

Ever tried to make grits and ended up with bowls of lumpy mess?

In this post, I am sharing how I make the most creamiest, delicious grits you have ever had.

How To Make Creamy Grits Without Lumps Every Time (1)

For the longest, I wouldn't even try to make grits.

Then I started trying to make them on occasion. And if I am telling the truth, there might be a lump or so you’d have to remove. Or they might be too salty or not salty enough. But they were never awful. Just not my mommas.

But not? NOW! I have figured out the trick to make some of the creamiest grits you ever wanted to have.

They’re not my momma's grits. I still don’t know what she does, but I’d serve these to her without getting any judgment or pushback.

I have a few things I’ll share about how I make my grits because I want you to have delicious creamy grits too. Cause friends don’t let friends make and eat lumpy grits.

It’s just wrong.

Learn how to make and reheat creamy grits with this easy-to-follow guide. Perfect for breakfast or as a side dish, grits are a classic Southern comfort food that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

To make creamy grits, all you need is water, salt, and stone-ground grits. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and velvety smooth texture that's sure to impress.

And if you have leftovers, don't worry! Reheating grits is a breeze. Whether you prefer to use the microwave or stovetop, we've got you covered with step-by-step instructions for how to reheat grits without losing their creamy texture or flavor.

5 Things To Consider to Make Good & Creamy Grits

Time

Even if you buy 5-minute grits, don’t cook your grits for only five minutes.

Part of what makes the grits all creamy is the time they get to soak in the water. Making them softer and allowing them to merge together to form all the creamy goodness.

I repeat creamy grits are not made in five minutes.Period!

Heat

I start my water on high so it can boil but don’t leave it on high. Right before I put the grits in I turn the water down to medium-low.

Trust me on this. You don’t know the labor of love in cooking until you are burned by a popping hot grit.

It hurts!!
And it can leave a for real burn mark.

I go medium-low for a few minutes and then I drop it low.

Flick Of The Whisk

This is probably the thing that prevents the lumps the most. I don’t use the spoon until I serve my grits. I pour and stir them in using a whisk. And occasionally I stir them using the whisk while they are cooking to ensure there are no lumps.

Measurements Matter

Don’t try to wing it when measuring your grits. Measure according to package instructions for serving count.

I make sure to pre-measure my grits and the cup sitting there next to the pot ready to be poured. Timing is everything in lump prevention.

Don’t Follow The Rules

I know I said to measure the grits according to the package instructions, but that is not true for the water. The package typically has a 1:4 water ratio. I actually use 1:6.

So if I am making 1/4 cup of grits, I use 1 1/2 cups of water.
If I am making 1/2 cup of grits, I use 3 cups of water.

I break the rules. But only because it’s so tasty when I do.

Can you reheat grits?

Yes, you can reheat grits using the stove or microwave

How To Reheat Grits in The Microwave

  1. Transfer the leftover grits to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Add a splash of milk or water to the grits to help them loosen up and prevent them from drying out.
  3. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Microwave the grits on high for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through.
  5. Stir the grits and check for hot spots. If there are any, stir the grits again and microwave for an additional 30 seconds.

How To Reheat Grits on The Stove

  1. Place the grits in a saucepan
  2. Add a splash of milk or water to the grits in the saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through.

Here are the exact steps I take to keep my grits from being lumpy, and ensuring they are deliciously creamy:

How To Make Creamy Grits Without Lumps Every Time (2)

Creamy, Non-Lumpy Grits

Yield: a single serving

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

To make creamy grits, all you need is water, salt, and grits. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and velvety smooth texture that's sure to impress.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup of Grits
  • 1 1/2 cup Water
  • Salt (optional)
  • Cheese (optional)
  • Butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring water to boil.
  2. Turn water down to medium-low.
  3. Pour in grits with one hand, whisking with the other hand.
  4. Stir for a minute and turn water to low.
  5. Stir occasionally making sure no lumps are forming.
  6. Allow simmering for at least 15 minutes.
  7. Turn off and remove from heat.

Notes

To make additional servings you just need a 1:6 ratio of grits to water.

Recommended Products

As a Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn a comission from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 253Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 871mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 7g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Other Posts You May Love:

  • How To Make The Creamiest Oatmeal Ever
  • The Essentials For A Well-Stocked Pantry
  • How To Avoid Recipe Failure When Making New Recipes

Pin How To Make Creamy Grits to your favorite board using the buttons below

How To Make Creamy Grits Without Lumps Every Time (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep grits from getting lumpy? ›

The key to cooking old-fashioned grits is going low and slow—use a low heat so the grits simmer and slowly release their starches, which creates a decadent, silky texture. Whisking constantly during the first couple of minutes, and frequently throughout the rest of the cooking process, will prevent lumps from forming.

How do you make grits smooth again? ›

Add a splash of milk or water to the grits to help them loosen up and prevent them from drying out. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave the grits on high for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through. Stir the grits and check for hot spots.

How do you get rid of grainy grits? ›

Make them creamier by cooking longer. Some folks add milk to the water and say that helps as well. The issue with using milk is scorching. Frequent whisking or stirring is essential with all types of grits.

How do you make grits less hard? ›

If the grits thicken too quickly, but the grains are still hard or chewy, whisk in another 1/4 C of warm water to the pot and continue cooking until they're like you want them. FINISH HIM. Once the grits are cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the remaining butter and the black pepper.

Should you soak grits before cooking? ›

Before turning on the stove, artisan grain producer Anson Mills recommends soaking the grits overnight for a “superior” texture. This step also reduces the cooking time by about 50 percent, which can take from about 20 minutes to 1 hour or more, depending on the type of grits and desired consistency.

What does baking soda do to grits? ›

Easily achieve the perfect creamy texture and save yourself some serious time in the kitchen by utilizing the little-known tip of adding baking soda to the pot. Just a pinch added early in the cooking process helps the grits to thicken up and can cut the needed cooking time in half.

Are grits better with milk or water? ›

Creamy, cheesy piping-hot grits topped with spicy sausage – I don't think it gets much better than that on a cold day. Breakfast, lunch or dinner – this dish is perfect anytime! Aside from lots of delicious cheese, these grits get their extra creaminess by cooking them in milk.

How do you keep grits moist? ›

Cooking grits is a lot like cooking polenta. You want to use a high enough volume of water relative to the quantity of grits to guarantee that even the largest bits of dried corn will fully hydrate and soften.

What is a substitute for butter in grits? ›

Most people associate grits with butter but grits are also delicious and creamy when made with olive oil. Depending on who you ask, grits are similar or identical to Italian polenta. Both are made from ground cornmeal slow cooked over a low flame. Here is a recipe that we adapted from the Courier Journal.

What is the difference between Quaker old fashioned grits and quick grits? ›

Quick and regular grits: The only difference between these types is in granulation. Quick grits are ground fine and cook in 5 minutes; regular grits are medium grind and cook in 10 minutes. Instant grits: These fine-textured grits have been precooked and dehydrated. To prepare them, simply add boiling water.

What is the ratio of grits to water for 1? ›

The proportions for cooking grits that almost always gives you perfect stone-ground grits is 4 parts liquid to 1 part dry grits. Be sure to put about 1 teaspoon of salt per dry cup of grits in the mixture when you start. This proportion will work whether it is on the stovetop or the crock pot or whatever.

Why should you rinse grits? ›

One argument for rinsing grits is to make sure they are clean. While this might not be a tremendous concern if they are packaged and stored properly, there is still a chance they can have dust or debris in them. Rinsing them will remove the things you do not want to eat. It will also remove excess starch.

How to keep grits from getting lumpy? ›

Bring water to a bowl, slowly pour in salt and grits, stirring constantly. This will prevent lumps. If you're into lumps, ignore this entreaty. Lower heat to lowest setting, and cover, putting lid slightly ajar if you experience overbubbling.

What is the best way to store grits? ›

With its porridge-like consistency, grits lend themselves to both breakfast and dinner, making them a very versatile pantry staple to have on hand. However, this "pantry" staple shouldn't exactly be stored there. Instead, you need to consider putting your grits into a much colder environment, like the freezer.

How do you keep grits from getting thick? ›

Whisk in extra water, a tablespoon or two at a time, at any point if your grits become thicker than you'd like.

Why should I wash my grits? ›

One argument for rinsing grits is to make sure they are clean. While this might not be a tremendous concern if they are packaged and stored properly, there is still a chance they can have dust or debris in them. Rinsing them will remove the things you do not want to eat. It will also remove excess starch.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jamar Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 6018

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jamar Nader

Birthday: 1995-02-28

Address: Apt. 536 6162 Reichel Greens, Port Zackaryside, CT 22682-9804

Phone: +9958384818317

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Scrapbooking, Hiking, Hunting, Kite flying, Blacksmithing, Video gaming, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Jamar Nader, I am a fine, shiny, colorful, bright, nice, perfect, curious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.