One of the true joys of home cooking is transforming simple ingredients into delicious, comforting meals, especially when you can make them last. Recently, I found myself with an abundance of ham after snagging a fantastic deal on three hams right before Easter and freezing them. This culinary bounty has sparked a fun challenge: creating a variety of recipes that make the most of this versatile protein. So far, my kitchen adventures have yielded an impressive ninety breakfast sandwiches for John, now conveniently stored in the freezer for quick morning meals. Beyond that, these hams have inspired this incredibly easy and flavorful Crock Pot Ham and Cheese Grits Recipe, alongside another family favorite, the Crock Pot Cheesy Ham and Swiss Casserole Recipe. Having a well-stocked freezer with ready-to-heat options is a game-changer, especially with my upcoming travel schedule, ensuring John has delicious and easy-to-prepare meals at hand.
Hearty Crock Pot Ham and Cheese Grits: An Effortless Comfort Meal
Our kitchen has truly been “swimming” in the deliciousness of leftover ham these past few days, and it has been an absolute delight! The beauty of cooking a large ham, especially using our Crock Pot Ham recipe, is its incredible versatility. It provides a foundational ingredient that can be effortlessly incorporated into countless different dishes, making meal planning and prep a breeze. Honestly, I almost wish I had purchased a couple more hams, just to expand our freezer stash even further! As I anticipate a busy few months filled with travel, ensuring John has a steady supply of easy-to-prepare, comforting meals is a top priority, and recipes like these are perfect for that.
The Journey to Perfect Grits: A Southern Staple Meets the Pacific Northwest Palate
I’ve mentioned before that John, my wonderful husband, grew up immersed in the rich culinary traditions of the American South. Me? I’m a tried-and-true Pacific Northwest girl, accustomed to different flavors and cooking styles. When I first attempted to make grits, let’s just say it was far from a masterpiece. I’m still not entirely sure what went wrong, but the result was, to put it mildly, not pretty! Thankfully, over the years of our marriage and with continuous practice, I’ve refined my technique, and now I can confidently say I make a mean bowl of grits that even John approves of. It’s been a fun culinary journey learning to appreciate and master this Southern staple.
For those new to grits, they are a quintessential Southern dish made from dried, ground corn – similar to polenta but with their own distinct character. They are typically boiled with water or milk and can be served either savory or sweet. In the South, grits are a breakfast ritual, often paired with bacon, eggs, or shrimp, but their versatility allows them to shine at any meal. They come in various forms: instant, quick-cooking, regular, and stone-ground. Stone-ground grits, while taking longer to cook, offer the richest texture and most authentic corn flavor, truly elevating a dish like our ham and cheese grits. Quick or regular grits are excellent for busy mornings when you want that comforting taste without the extended cooking time.
The Magic of Slow Cooking: Effortless Ham and Cheese Grits
This Easy Crock Pot Ham and Cheese Grits Recipe is an absolute lifesaver, especially when you have leftover ham. It transforms simple ingredients into a rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a comforting weeknight dinner. The true beauty of this recipe lies in its hands-off nature: your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other tasks while a delicious meal simmers to perfection. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” convenience for busy families or anyone looking to minimize their time in the kitchen.
Slow cookers are a fantastic investment for any home chef. They excel at developing deep flavors and tenderizing ingredients over several hours. For this recipe, the gentle, consistent heat of the Crock Pot ensures the grits become incredibly creamy without constant stirring, and the flavors of the ham and cheese meld together beautifully. The ability to simply combine the ingredients, set the timer, and return to a perfectly cooked meal is invaluable. This method also frees up stove space, which is particularly helpful when preparing larger meals or hosting guests.
You might also enjoy this Crock Pot Blueberry Oatmeal Recipe for another delicious and easy slow cooker breakfast option!
Key Ingredients for Our Crock Pot Ham and Cheese Grits
Simplicity is key to this recipe’s success. You only need a few core ingredients to create this heartwarming dish:
- Chicken stock: Provides a savory base that infuses the grits with depth of flavor. You can also use vegetable broth for a slightly different profile or even water for a milder taste.
- Grits: The star of the show! For the best texture in a slow cooker, quick-cooking or regular grits work wonderfully, as they don’t require the constant attention of stone-ground varieties.
- Ham: Diced leftover ham adds a fantastic salty, savory, and smoky element. This is where your Easter ham or any other cooked ham truly shines.
- Butter: Essential for richness and that wonderfully smooth, creamy texture that makes grits so irresistible.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Contributes a sharp, salty, and umami punch, elevating the overall flavor profile.
When it comes to equipment, a reliable Crockpot is your best friend for this recipe. We highly recommend using a slow cooker equipped with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting once the cooking time is complete. This feature is incredibly convenient, ensuring your meal cooks perfectly without the stress of needing to be home right when it finishes. It’s a fantastic way to prevent overcooking and keep your dish warm until you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While delicious as is, this ham and cheese grits recipe is also wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or a Monterey Jack blend would all be excellent substitutes for Parmesan. For an extra kick, a dash of hot sauce stirred in at the end can add a delightful warmth. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions or chives for a pop of color and freshness. If you’re serving it for brunch, a fried or poached egg on top would make it even more substantial and decadent. This dish also pairs beautifully with a side of crispy bacon or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Once cooked, allow the grits to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of chicken stock or milk and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring until creamy again. The grits can also be frozen for longer storage. Divide into individual portions before freezing, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes for super easy, grab-and-go meals on busy days.
More Great Breakfast Recipes to Explore
If you love starting your day with something delicious, here are some other fantastic breakfast recipes:
- Cinnamon Sugar Crescents
- Cinnamon Syrup
- Egg McMuffins (our copycat version!)
- Slow Cooker Banana Oatmeal
- Brown Sugar Bacon Candy
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to check out our extensive collection of copycat recipes, indulgent dessert recipes, and our ever-popular Crock Pot Recipes for more inspiration.
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Slow Cooker Crock Pot Ham and Cheese Grits Recipe
Delicious crock pot slow cooker ham and cheese grits recipe – a truly effortless comfort food!
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 cups Chicken Stock
- 2 cups grits
- 1 cup ham chopped
- 3 Tablespoon Butter melted
- ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, stir together the chicken stock, grits, chopped ham, melted butter, and grated Parmesan Cheese until well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. It’s important to stir occasionally during the cooking process to prevent the grits from sticking and forming lumps or “grit cakes.” This helps maintain a creamy, even texture.
- Once cooked and creamy, serve hot. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or a dash of hot sauce if desired.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 135
Recipe originally shared on June 29, 2017. Updated January 2021.