Instant Pot Grits Recipe

10 minute Instant Pot grits pot in pot recipe and step by step directions to make plain or a cheesy pressure cooker breakfast. A favorite Ninja Foodi side dish for many, like our Crockpot Express grits made the same way too.

I have an easy way to make cheesy Instant Pot grits right at home now! If you make homemade grits but are using the stovetop, this method this is so much quicker. One of our favorite new Instant Pot recipes here on The Typical Mom you can now enjoy. (affiliate links present)

Ninja Foodi Grits

Some have their own favorite ingredients to make this classic Southern dish. Please stick to yours if you have one and just use this post to see how long you cook it for. If you haven’t made it before but want to make it quicker, the Foodi works with the lid that isn’t attached.

How to Cook Pressure Cooker Grits

We will show you how to mix, pressure cook on high, naturally release to fluff them up and what you can include inside. There are so many different add ins when it comes to Instant Pot grits really. Cheese is our favorite so that’s what we’re sharing but let your imagination go wild! 

Pressure Cooker Grits Pot in Pot

This method will use a pot inside your regular metal pot so nothing burns. I have tried it both ways and just trust me when I say that this is just better. Below is a link to the dish I used. Just needs to be oven safe.

I like cheesy Instant Pot grits with butter and some chives. Others prefer no cheese but with some bacon. Whether you like them loaded up, simple, thick, or creamier hopefully this post will help you understand how to make them in your pressure cooker.

Then you can enjoy them more often, and quicker the next time you make them and thereafter. 😉 It doesn’t matter what brand of pot you have either. Use a Crockpot Express, Mealthy, or Ninja Foodi recipe using the pressure cook function.

Ingredients for Instant Pot grits

• 1 c. old fashioned grits
• 3 tbsp. butter – melted
• 2 1/2 cup water or broth
• One cup cheese
• 1 c. milk – 2% or whole milk is best
• 2 tbsp chives are optional

1st way here – 2nd method in recipe card below. If you’d like to make pressure cooker grits using the PIP or pot in pot method you’ll need this pan that fits inside – 6 or 8 qt

What is the secret to cooking grits in a pressure cooker?

We have two ways to make this, you decide which you prefer. If you do have this pot I would suggest using that one, in the recipe card below. With that it takes 5 minutes longer but with a natural release they come out fluffier. Not only should you add butter into the mix but when done too to add flavor.

1. Pour 1.5 c of water inside your pressure cooker. Put trivet on bottom.
2. Inside your inner pot add grits, melted butter, 2.5 c. water, salt, chives, and pepper if desired. Mix together
3. Put foil over that pot and secure tightly on top. Lower on to your trivet and close your lid and steam valve.
4. Push multigrain pressure cook setting, for 15 minutes cooking time. Then press start.
5. Do a quick release and carefully lift pot out.
6. Uncover and add shredded cheese. Stir until melted. Add milk and stir, add more milk or broth if you want it thinner.

How do you make grits not stick to the pot?

Use a non stick pot and you can even spray it lightly with non stick cooking spray to ensure they slide right out. Not making them too thick helps as well, you can always thin them out with milk and/or butter.

How do you add flavor to grits?

There are all sorts of favorites out there and you may have a family favorite that you would shout to the rooftops, go with that. If you are looking for some new ideas try these:

1. Cheddar cheese
2. Bacon bits
3. Salt and pepper
4. Heavy cream

Some like diced chives and/or bacon bits inside too. I mean think way outside of the box and go with it to see if that may become your new favorite combination. If you want to make this and then create our popular cheese grits casserole that is another winner too.

The recipe below requires natural release vs. quick Not only are the recipes different but what you add inside varies a lot (like shrimp and grits) it really comes down to personal preference.

How to Make Cheesy Instant Pot Grits

1. Put butter into pressure cooker and set to saute, allow it to melt.
2. Add grits and cook for a few minutes, then add water and salt.
3. Close lid and steam valve. Set to high pressure for 10 minutes, then allow it to naturally release for 10 minutes. Release remaining pressure. Turn pot off.
4. Stir in 1 c of your milk and 1/2 c of your cheese to start with. If you want it thinned out add the rest of your milk, and/or more cheese if you want more (we like 1 full cup).
5. If you want to thicken it up put the lid back on and allow it to sit and soak up more of the milk. Serve!

After you’ve tried cheesy grits you should have our Instant Pot oatmeal with apples and cinnamon or chocolate oatmeal!

How long does it take to cook grits in a pressure cooker?

15-20 minutes depending on whether you are using a pot in pot method or if you make it right inside the inner pot itself.