Instant Pot Cheesy Grits make for a perfect breakfast, serve with a plate of eggs and waffles, the whole family will love these.

Instant Pot Southern Cheesy Grits
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Grits are such a great side dish, but they take some time to cook on the stovetop or in a crockpot. This instant pot version cuts down on cooking time and makes it easier to prepare this southern classic!

If you are looking for even more Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes, some of my favorites are INSTANT POT, and EASY BANANA NUT BREAD OATMEAL.

What Are Grits?

I’m sure you’ve heard of grits before, but what are they? Grits are a type of cornmeal that is typically eaten for breakfast. They’re usually served with butter and salt or sugar. I love them because they’re super easy to make, taste amazing, and are VERY budget-friendly!

Grits come in different varieties, depending on the type of corn used to make them. You can find white or yellow grits made from either sweet or white corn, respectively, and hominy grits made out of dried kernels of maize treated with an alkali solution before being ground into a meal.

While either served for breakfast, with a plate of bacon and eggs, or served as a base for you next seafood dinner, these are bound to please, the entire family.

Ingredients Needed For Grits In Instant Pot

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Southern Cheesy Grits
  • Butter
  • Stone-Ground Grits
  • Water
  • Heavy Cream
  • Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • Butter

How To Make Instant Pot Grits

In your Instant Pot bowl, add the stone-ground grits and butter.

In your Instant Pot bowl, add the stone-ground grits and butter. Press the saute button and saute the grits with the butter (mixing constantly) for about 2-3 minutes, until the grits are slightly toasted.

Instant Pot Southern Cheesy Grits

Then mix in the water, heavy cream salt, and pepper. Add the lid, making sure that the vent is in the sealing position. Set the manual high pressure for 10 minutes. When the time is up, do a natural release.

When the pin has dropped, and the pressure has been completely released, open the lid and stir. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, stir until melted.

Instant Pot Southern Cheesy Grits

Grits In Instant Pot Recipe Faqs

Are grits and polenta the same thing? Grits and polenta are both made from cornmeal, but they have a lot in common. They can be eaten as cereal or porridge, fried into cakes, used to thicken sauces, or ground into flour for baking. Grits is the more popular version of the two because it’s considered easier to cook with than polenta. However, you might find that some people call grits “polenta” while others call them by their original name!

How to make grits thicker? Grits are a delicious breakfast food that can be made in many different ways. One of the most common questions asked is how to make grits thicker. If you find that they are too thin for your liking, then press the saute button after you let the pressure release from the Instant Pot and saute, until they are thickened to your liking!

How to make grits thinner? To make them even thinner, I usually add more milk or heavy cream, after they have done cooking. Remember to stir them, and you can even add butter in, to thin them out.

What if my grits are still chewy/ undercooked? If you’re cooking grits and the end result is chewy, or even undercooked, don’t give up! There are many ways to salvage your dish. Add more liquid (milk) to the pot and saute for another 5-10 minutes. Make sure not to overcook them so they maintain their creamy texture.

Instant Pot Southern Cheesy Grits

Can I use a different type of cheese? You can add whatever cheese you really want, although the traditional method is really with a great Cheddar Cheese. I have used both Mexican Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese! But you can also use gouda, gruyere, and even fontina cheese. They all work really well for this recipe!

Equipment Used In Grits In Pressure Cooker

  • Instant Pot: Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 Quart 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, 15 One-Touch Programs, Stainless Steel/Black
  • Stone-Ground Grits: Palmetto Farms, Grits Stone Ground White, 32 Ounce

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

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Instant Pot Southern Cheesy Grits

Instant Pot Cheesy Grits

4.80 from 10 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Instant Pot Cheesy Grits –In the South, grits are a must-have breakfast dish. Many Southern cooks make them up for dinner as well.

Ingredients 

  • 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon butter, for serving

Instructions

  • In your Instant Pot bowl, add the stone-ground grits and butter.
  • Press the saute button and saute the grits, with the butter, (mixing constantly) for about 2-3 minutes, until the grits are slightly toasted.
  • Then mix in the water, heavy cream salt, and pepper. Add the lid, making sure that the vent is in the sealing position.
  • Set the manual high pressure for 10 minutes. When the time is up, do a natural release.
  • When the pin has dropped, and the pressure has been completely released, open the lid, and then stir.
  • Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, until the cheese has melted.
  • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Wooden Spoon

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 334kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 6gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 701mgPotassium: 93mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 799IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 0.5mg

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