In short, there are three ways to reheat grits: on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in an air fryer. Each method requires adding some liquid and heating for a few minutes.
Grits have been a versatile delicious meal since ancient times. You can eat it alone for breakfast dish or as an addition to the main course. It is delicious and has few calories that so many people use it as part of a diet.
It is effortless to prepare, and the wonderful thing is that you can add hundreds of other spices, ingredients, and additives to customize the taste to what you like best. So, can you reheat grits?
Although simple, reheating can sometimes give poor results, so it is essential to make sure you do it right. Once you have mastered the reheating technique, you can prepare the grits in advance and have a meal ready for breakfast or dinner, which will surely save you a lot of time.
The stovetop method is probably the best, but there are other options. Here are some ways to correctly reheat grits.
Proper Way to Reheat Grits on the Stovetop
A pot on the stove will be the best way to reheat grits. However, you have to be very careful. If you just put it in a pot and start heating, it will dry out and likely burn at the bottom. It will by no means be delicious to eat. Here’s how to reheat grits on the stove properly.
Step 1: Put the Grits in the Pot and Add the Liquid
It will be best to use a non stick pan just in case. You don’t want your bottom grits to burn and ruin the taste of the whole meal.
Once you have put the grits in the pot, it is time to add the liquid. You can use milk, broth, or plain water. Add as much liquid as needed to make the grits soft but not too watery. Stir to combine everything nicely.
Step 2: Cook on a Medium Heat
Put the pot on low heat and start warming. Do not put on too high a fire as it will burn. Stir grits frequently all the time, making sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom. Also, if you notice lumps forming, add some liquid. Combine everything nicely, and in a few minutes, the dish is done.
Warming Grits In A Microwave
Although not the best method, a microwave can also serve to reheat grits. The only thing you need to be careful about is for the food not to get too hard. Here are tips on how to do it right.
Step 1: Place the Grits in a Microwave-Safe Container and Add Liquid
Use only a microwave safe dish. Put grits in it and add liquid. Again, you can use milk, broth, water, or whatever you want. Stir everything nicely to be ready to warm up.
Step 2: Reheat in Short Intervals to Gain Optimum Result
Put the grits in the microwave and turn on for 30 seconds—no longer than that. Take it out and stir well. Return to the microwave and turn on again for a 30-second heating cycle.
Repeat this procedure until you get the desired result. Be careful not to burn yourself while mixing the grits as there can be hot steam.
Heating Grits In An Air Fryer
If you have an air fryer nearby, you can freely use it to heat the grits. However, we would say that the method on the stove will give a slightly creamier result because you are gently stirring the contents all the time.
But the great thing about the fryer is that the temperature does not only come from the bottom, but the hot air circulates, so there is little chance of a quick burn. And it’s done in just a few minutes.
The method is very similar to the previous ones, and here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Put the Grits in the Pot and Add Liquid
You will need a cooking pot that matches the size of the air fryer. As with the previous methods, put grits in a container and add liquid.
Whether it is milk, broth, water, or something else, the choice is yours. You can also use some vegetable milk if you want. Mix the contents well.
Step 2: Cook for 5 Minutes
Set the air fryer temperature slightly higher than medium, say 380 or 390 degrees. Let it heat up thoroughly, and put the grits inside.
It will take about 4 to 5 minutes of cooking time to heat everything up, depending on how many grits you put in the pan. We suggest taking it out halfway and mixing everything.
If you notice that everything is too dry, add a little more liquid, but do not overdo it. Put it back on the heat, and when it’s ready, serve it with the desired accessories immediately.
FAQs
Can I reheat the grits in the oven?
The oven is really not the method we would recommend. Except that it lasts longer, in this case, the result will be much better with the stove, air fryer or microwave. But if you have no other option, you can heat the grits in the oven.
The procedure is similar to the recommended ones. Choose an oven safe dish and put leftover grits inside. Add the liquid, mix everything well, and put the lid on the pan before putting it in the oven. The heating temperature should be 350 degrees F. After 2 to 3 minutes of heating, remove and stir, then return to the oven as needed.
How do you store leftover grits properly?
First, allow the grits to cool sufficiently before placing it in the refrigerator. It is best to store it in a container with a lid or simply cover the box with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Freezing grits is also an option for keeping it more than a week.
Can you freeze cooked grits?
You can freeze prepared grits without any problems. When it has cooled well, put it in a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. You can store grits in the freezer for up to a month.
How long can you keep cooked grits in a fridge?
Simply prepared grits can last in the refrigerator for 5 to 6 days maximum. That’s just enough to have breakfast ready for the entire workweek. However, be careful if you add any other perishable ingredients to the grits. Then, the grits’ shelf life will be shorter accordingly. You can eat grits with any food as a side dish.
Can grits be made ahead and reheated?
Yes, grits can be made ahead of time and reheated. After cooking the grits, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to serve, reheat them on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to restore their creaminess and texture.
Conclusion
Grits is an excellent solution for a quick and healthy breakfast or side dish in the morning. You are free to make it in advance and reheat the amount you need. Add any other ingredients to make the dish more interesting. When you master the way to reheat grits properly, you’ll have no trouble preparing it in advance.
The best way to warm up grits will be on the stove, and right after that, a good option is an air fryer or a microwave. In any case, a quick and easy warm-up for a great meal. Reheated grits should taste pretty much the same as freshly made ones.
Whatever way to reheat grits you choose, just remember that you should add enough liquid to restore the creamy texture and not burn it. But be careful not to overdo the moisturizer as the content can become too soaked.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
