Can You Freeze Grits?

by

A number of people have asked me if I can freeze grits.

Grits are a Southern dish that consists of ground-dried, cooked corn kernels. This comfort food goes great with everything and is an excellent breakfast option when you don’t have time to fry bacon in your skillet!

I’m not sure what these individuals were expecting-they probably wanted to see a straight “Yes, or No,” but alas, I will let you know the answer soon.

It’s not surprising to see the internet filled with questions about whether grits can be frozen or cooked. There seems to be confusion about what constitutes “cooked” and which form of cooking they should use in order for them to not only become tasty but also safe so they don’t get freezer burn or thaw, turn into a giant ice cube, or worse yet, get contaminated.

This guide will go over everything you need to know about whether grits can be frozen. Let’s get started

Can you freeze grits?

The answer is yes, but in order to do so, the proper steps must be taken. You can’t just throw your leftovers into a freezer bag and hope for the best. You need to use a container that is airtight, such as an aluminium foil pan or zip-lock bag. After you have put your grits in the proper freezer container, it is important to label them with the date and contents.

If you are planning on eating your frozen grits within a month or two, then there is no need to thaw them before cooking. If you are planning on keeping them longer than that, then it is best to thaw them in the refrigerator. You can also place frozen grits in a pot and cover them with water. Then heat it over medium heat until thawed.

Can You Freeze Grits?

Why Should You Freeze Grits?

Freezing grits is necessary because they will become gummy when exposed to heat for too long. Freezing them in an airtight container will prevent this from happening, and the texture will remain intact.

How to Freeze Grits

If you want to freeze grits, place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly with plastic. They will last up to six months without any loss in quality.

Can You Freeze Cooked Grits?

If you cook grits and then want to freeze them for later use, it is important that the cooked grains be cooled down quickly before being placed in the freezer. The best way to do this is by placing them into a container and then adding ice cubes or cold water from a tap over top of the cooking grits within that container. This way, the cold water or ice cubes will cool the cooked grits.

When it comes to storing cooked grits in a freezer, there are two options for doing so:

  1. You can store the cooked grits in a freezer bag or other container, and then place that item inside of your freezer’s main compartment.
  2. You can also use an ice cube tray to freeze the cooked grits. To do this, simply place a few spoonfuls of your cooked grits into each compartment of an ice cube tray. Then, once the cubes are frozen, you can remove them from the tray and place them into a freezer bag or other container.

Note: If you are planning on using your frozen cooked grits within one to two months of freezing them, you can use a freezer bag or other container. However, if you are planning on keeping the cooked grits in your freezer for longer than two months, it is best to use an airtight container, as this will help to prevent freezer burn.

How to Freeze Uncooked Grits

To freeze uncooked grits, let the grits cool completely before putting them into the freezer. Once cooled, spread the grits out on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for at least two hours before removing the grits from the baking sheet and placing them into a freezer-safe container.

How to Make Grits Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups (590ml) water
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as desired
  • 1/2 cup (85g) yellow or white corn grits, preferably stone-ground (optionally rinsed, see note)
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter

Instruction:

  1. Put the water and salt in a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil. Sprinkle in the grits while whisking, and then bring it back to a boil.
  2. Turn the heat down to low, cover, and cook, whisking and scraping the bottom well every 2 to 3 minutes, until you get the consistency you want: runny with a little bit of texture left, about 30 minutes; thick and creamy but still flowing, about 45 minutes; or stiff and able to hold its shape while barely flowing, about 1 hour.
  3. If your grits get too thick, add more water by whisking in a tablespoon or two at a time. (If your grits are done but not thick enough, you can speed up the thickening process by cooking them without a lid, which lets more steam escape.)
  4. Whisk in the butter until it’s all melted and mixed in, then take it off the heat. If you think it needs it, add more salt.
  5. Serve as you wish.

FAQ

What are grits?

Grits, also known as hominy or cornmeal porridge, are a type of cooked maize meal ground to varying degrees of fineness. The coarsely ground meal is usually mixed with water or stock and then cooked. Grits are a popular breakfast food in the Southern United States, often eaten with seasoned salt pork and greens, or sometimes eggs.

Should uncooked grits be refrigerated?

The answer to this question is no. Uncooked grits do not need to be refrigerated. Uncooked grits are not typically refrigerated, but they should be stored in a cool, dark place.

Can you reheat grits?

Grits can be reheated without any issues. If you choose to reheat grits, simply place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about one minute.

How long do grits last?

Grits are best eaten within two or three months of being made. They will keep for a little longer, but the texture and flavour gradually deteriorate over time.

 

What happens if you eat bad grits?

If you eat bad grits, then your stomach might not like it. You could get diarrhoea and vomit.

What is the difference between grits and cornmeal?

There is a slight difference in flavour between grits and cornmeal. Cornmeal is made from ground whole corn, while grits are made from the inner part of the corn kernel that has been ground more finely. White grits have naturally higher sugar content, while yellow grits are richer in starch. The main difference between yellow grits and white grits is that yellow grits are made from small pieces of quartz while white grits are made from larger pieces of quartz. 

Angela Jones
Latest posts by Angela Jones (see all)

Leave a comment