How To Reheat Grits?

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Grits, a thick and smooth porridge famous in America, used to be an ordinary breakfast cereal; however, nowadays, in diners and restaurants, you will spot it on the menus accompanied by the most delicious seafood and meat dishes. You most certainly do not want a fancy grits course to go to waste! If you want to save the dish for later, how can you reheat grits? 

You can reheat grits by using the oven (350°F for 2-3 minutes), stovetop (set on low heat level and stir grits constantly), and microwave (for approximately 30 seconds to one minute). Ensure the grits are thoroughly heated, not to mention creamy, thick, and flavorful before serving it.  

The grits dish must be reheated properly to maintain the same yummy texture and taste of freshly cooked grits. Follow the guidelines I have listed on how to reheat grits and the different methods. I also added additional information about the versatile grits dish for extra knowledge.  Let us have a look!

How To Reheat Grits

The popular grits dish originates from Native America. It is ground-corn food that is especially popular in the Southern United States. People usually eat grits as a breakfast dish, but these days, grits can be made as a main course or side dish paired with various meats or seafood. 

For centuries, grits have been a staple food in the Southern menu, but residents nationwide fancy it. Normally, we store and reheat grits if there are any leftovers, but reheating it and attempting to keep it flavorsome can be a challenge if you do not reheat it correctly. Without further ado, here are three methods you can use to reheat grits perfectly: 

Using The Stovetop 

Truthfully, I favor this method whenever I reheat leftover grits. It allows you to have more control of the heat, takes less cooking time, and you will easily know if it is necessary to add more liquid. 

  1. Grab a non-stick pan and place the grits in the pan. 
  2. Add a small amount of broth, milk, or water to the grits. 
  3. Place your non-stick pan containing the grits on the stovetop. 
  4. Set the grits on low-level heat (about 1-3 on the stove knob). 
  5. Stir the grits continually. 
  6. Add more liquid if the grits’ texture becomes too thick or lumpy. You must only add a small amount since it does not take much liquid to smoothen the texture. 
  7. After you add the liquid, break up the lumpy pieces as you stir so that the texture can become smooth. 
  8. Although you are using a non-stick pan, ensure to scrape at the bottom of the pan if the grits stick to it. 
  9. By now, the grits must be heated thoroughly, and its texture should be thick, creamy, and smooth. 
  10. Serve the grits whichever way you want and enjoy!

Using The Oven 

If you want to reheat grits in the oven, you must be heedful because it can very well thicken and desiccate. Even if you can reheat grits risk-free, it will not have the self-same results as the stovetop. 

  1. Place the grits in an oven-safe dish or container. 
  2. Preheat the oven. Set the temperature to 350°F.
  3. Add a bit of broth, milk, or water to the grits. 
  4. Cover the dish or container with a lid and place the grits into the oven. 
  5. Heat it in the oven for about two to three minutes.
  6. Pour extra liquid into the grits if needed and reheat it in the oven again. 
  7. By now, the grits must be heated thoroughly, and its texture should be thick, creamy, and smooth. 
  8. Serve the grits whichever way you want and enjoy!

Using The Microwave

Using the microwave to reheat grits is simple and quick, even though it is not the most suitable option. The grits become too stiff if you are not cautious when reheating it.

  1. Place the grits in a microwavable bowl or container. 
  2. Pour and stir a bit of water, broth, or milk into the grits. 
  3. Put the bowl or container containing the grits into the microwave. 
  4. At a medium temperature, reheat the grits for approximately 30 seconds.
  5. Take out the container from the microwave and stir it thoroughly.
  6. Add more liquid if necessary.
  7. Heat the grits for another 30 seconds to one minute. 
  8. By now, the grits must be heated thoroughly, and its texture should be thick, creamy, and smooth. 
  9. Serve the grits whichever way you want and enjoy!

How Long Does Refrigerated Grits Last For?

Leftover grits usually last five to seven days in the refrigerator; however, it depends on the ingredients you added to the dish. If you add food or ingredients to the grits that expire quicker or do not last long in the refrigerator when cooked, the dish can only be eaten within three to five days (or less) after it has been cooked.  

Ensure that you keep the ingredients’ expiration and use-by or best-before dates in mind when determining how long the grits will be safe for consumption. You will instantly know when the dish has gone bad by its taste, appearance, and smell. 

If you stored it in the refrigerator for more than one week, then you can no longer munch on your favorite grits dish. 

Can You Reheat Shrimp And Grits?

Although you can reheat shrimp and grits, the texture and taste of both these ingredients will not be as flavorsome as the freshly served shrimp and grits dish. If you have leftovers, store it in the refrigerator and consume it within two to three days. Place the grits, and the shrimp in separate containers since both ingredients take a different amount of time to reheat. 

How To Reheat Shrimp And Grits

I do not recommend preparing a shrimp and grits dish beforehand; however, if you have leftovers and still want to feast on the dish, this is how you can reheat it:

  1. Put the grits in a microwavable container or bowl.
  2. Add a small amount of milk, broth, or water to the grits. 
  3. Reheat the grits in the microwave for 30 seconds to one minute. 
  4. Stir the grits frequently until it is creamy and warm. 
  5. Add the shrimp to the microwavable container or bowl when the grits are nearly ready. 
  6. Place the bowl or container back into the microwave for about one minute until it is well-heated. 

Can You Reheat Grits Casserole?

Grits casserole can easily be reheated in the oven. If you want to reheat the grits for a family dinner, you can use the oven; otherwise, for a single serving, you can use the microwave as well. 

How To Reheat Grits Casserole

Grits casserole is simple to reheat in the oven, and it does not take much time and effort. Keep an eye on the dish in the oven so it does not dry out or burn. 

  1. Preheat the oven. Set the temperature to 350°F.
  2. Cover the dish or container with a lid and place the grits casserole into the oven. 
  3. Heat it in the oven for around 20 to 30 minutes.
  4. Ensure it is well-heated by testing the temperature in the center of the grits casserole. 

So, How To Reheat Grits?

Grits are a delicious and simple dish. It is versatile and features on menus with various other main dishes and side dishes. Grits certainly sate your appetite. To enjoy leftover grits, reheat it by using the oven (350°F for two to three minutes), stovetop (set on low heat level and stir grits constantly), and microwave (for approximately 30 seconds to one minute). 

The grits should be well-heated, creamy, and thick after reheating it. I prefer reheating grits on the stovetop. It is far easier and does not take much time as opposed to other methods.


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