Grits are a flexible meal that works well with a variety of delectable accompaniments. This Southern favorite is great for breakfast, lunch, and supper. Simply swap out the side dish for healthful comfort meal at any time of day!
We sometimes overcook and wind up with leftovers. So, what do you do with the remaining grits? Can you reheat them for breakfast tomorrow?
You certainly can! You may enjoy the comfort food for a fast dinner throughout the week if you keep them chilled. More significantly, reheating grits is simple and quick!
Continue reading to learn all you need to know about reheating leftover grits.
Contents
What Are Grits?
Grits are a sort of porridge prepared with stone-ground cornmeal or boiling cornmeal. It originated in the southern United States and is considered a regional staple. This corn-based meal is now widely accessible across the nation.
The process is identical to that of preparing polenta. When pulverized maize is gently boiled in liquid, starch is released, resulting in a creamy and smooth end product.
Can You Reheat Grits?
Now, lets talk about leftovers.
Some recipes start with water and conclude with cream, butter, and milk. Others, on the other hand, like to simmer the grain in fresh milk. Both will provide creamy and tasty dinners that combine well with a variety of cuisines!
Grits cooked in plain water are simpler to reheat since there is no milk to burn during the warming process.
This Southern classic will harden when refrigerated, becoming thick and dry. You may loosen them up by adding water, milk, or broth when warming.
There are two easy ways to warm up leftover grits, similar to how you would reheat oatmeal. The best and most recommended approach is to reheat on the burner. If that is not an option, you can reheat them in the microwave.
Continue reading for full, step-by-step instructions!
Option 1: Reheating Grits on a Stovetop
The easiest way to restore the freshness and creaminess of leftover grits is to reheat them on the stovetop. This strategy is unquestionably your best choice if you need to deal with a large quantity to feed an army.
Here is the step-to-step guide.
1. Put the grits in a non-stick pot.
2. Add your preferred beverage to soften the thick, chilly texture. You may add water, fresh milk, or broth to taste. You may adjust the quantity of liquid to your liking. For additional richness, add heavy cream and butter.
3. Stir to combine the mixture.
4. Turn on the burner and cook for a few minutes on low heat. Avoid using excessive heat to avoid the food drying out rapidly and, worse, being scorched.
5. Continue to stir while they warm. Don’t forget to scrape the pan’s bottom so nothing clings to it.
6. If required, add extra liquid to get the desired creaminess and smoothness.
7. Your meal is ready to serve after the grits have been evenly and fully warmed.
Option 2: Reheating Grits in the Microwave
Although not the ideal way, your microwave may nonetheless be used to reheat grits. It’s also useful for warming up a little bit for yourself.
Follow the steps below to make wonderful and scrumptious comfort food.
1. Pour the grits into a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Pour in some liquid and thoroughly mix it in. You may substitute water, milk, or broth.
3. Microwave in 30 second increments over medium heat. After each cycle, check and stir well. Repeat until they are thoroughly warmed and the appropriate texture is achieved.
4. Serve with your favorite side dish right away!
FAQs
Without a doubt! If you make a large quantity of anything and have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container. Spray the container with nonstick spray to prevent it from sticking to the surface. Leftovers may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if properly chilled.
The corn-based meal, like any other cooked food, should be refrigerated within 2 hours after preparation. If the room temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, this Southern favorite must be refrigerated within an hour.
Yes. These two fundamental dishes are essentially formed from ground maize. The kind of maize utilized makes a considerable influence. Grits are created from white maize (hominy), while polenta is derived from yellow corn.
Yes. They may still be edible beyond the package’s best-by date. However, it is strongly advised that they be cooked before this date. Check for discolorations, visible mould, and an unpleasant odor to see whether the dry grains have gone bad.
They may be readily reheated for a quick dinner. You may also turn them into more appealing meals like crispy grits cakes, grits fritters, cheese casserole, and so on.
In A Nutshell
Grits are a great and easy dish that may be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or supper. Whether you make it ahead of time or have leftovers, this Southern favorite is worth reheating.
You can reheat leftover grits in two ways: on the stove or in the microwave. In either case, add additional liquid (water, milk, or broth) to release the thick texture and restore the creamy, smooth texture of the comfort meal!
Check out our thorough tips on how to reheat grits correctly above!
See more:
- How to reheat oatmeal
- Polenta vs grits
*image by lenyvavsha/depositphotos
