Delicious Grits Casserole Recipe for Perfect Brunch
The aroma of southern grits casserole can make anyone’s mouth water in anticipation. What Southern kitchen would be complete without the perfect cheese grits casserole recipe? Cheesy, creamy, and comforting- this quintessential breakfast casserole is the best way to start your day. If you love cheese, bacon, and sausage, then you will love this recipe! The crispy bacon and spicy pork sausage mixed with sharp cheddar cheese makes for an absolutely irresistible combination. This grits casserole recipe serves a crowd and is easy to prepare ahead of time, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions. The rich flavor of this cheesy grits casserole is sure to impress your guests, and keep them coming back for seconds. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner or as a side dish, this southern grits casserole recipe is always a hit and will quickly become your family’s favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for the ultimate comfort food? Then, look no further than this Southern Grits Casserole recipe! This dish is a creamy, cheesy, and savory blend that will melt in your mouth with every bite. From its rich, buttery grits base to its blend of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon toppings, this casserole has everything you crave in a Southern-style meal.
But this grits casserole recipe isn’t just great comfort food; it’s also versatile enough to serve at any time of the day. With eggs and pork sausage mixed into the grits base, this recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch! A delicious and hearty option for guests or weekend family meals.
What’s more, this dish is easy to make with simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. So why settle for bland and boring meals when you can enjoy the best grits casserole from home? Trust me; you won’t regret trying out this cheesy grits casserole recipe!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Southern Grits Casserole ever. It’s important to gather all your ingredients before you start cooking to make sure you have everything on hand.
Here are the ingredient list(s):
- Grits: 1 cup of quick-cooking grits or regular grits (stone-ground grits will also give an authentic taste).
- Water: 3 cups of cold water or low-sodium chicken broth
- Pork sausage: 2 pounds of ground pork sausage.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter.
- Eggs: 3 eggs, or use an egg substitute for a healthier option.
- Milk: 2 cups of Skim milk or half-and-half (for creamier grits).
- Cheese: 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese with additional cheese for topping.
- Garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce: These two seasonings are optional but add a great flavor. Add according to your preference.
- Bacon and shrimp slices (optional): Feel free to add some crisp bacon slices or cooked shrimp if you like Shrimp and Grits!
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning.
Make sure you choose good quality ingredients for this recipe, especially the grits as it’s the main ingredient. The measurements in this list will serve about eight people.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s delve into the fun part- making the Southern Grits Casserole. This recipe requires some prep time and patience but trust me; every minute of hard work will be worth it once you taste the final outcome. Here’s how to make this delicious dish.
Ingredients
For a full flavor, you’ll need:
- 1 cup quick cooking grits
- 3 cups of water
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- Ground pork sausage (1 pound)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of skim milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350℉.
- In a medium pot, cook grits according to package instructions and add in butter for a richer taste.
- Once the grits thicken, remove from heat and set aside.
- Use a large deep sauté pan over high heat with some oil and cook ground pork sausage until it’s no longer pink.
- Add garlic powder and mix them well, then remove from the heat.
- In a separate bowl, mix eggs along with milk.
- Now it’s time for the assembly! Take a 9×13 inch baking dish, grease it generously with cooking spray or butter. Spread out the cooked grits into your greased baking dish evenly by using a spatula or spoon.
- Next, sprinkle your cooked ground meat on top of the grits as evenly as possible.
- Pour egg mixture onto the top of everything.
- Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over everything.
- Bake uncovered in a preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes or until golden brown on top.
And there you have it, folks! Your Southern Grits Casserole is ready to devour. Enjoy it hot and fresh out of the oven or store your leftovers in the fridge for a quick breakfast or snack later.
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life, and this Southern Grits Casserole Recipe is no exception! Thankfully, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to add your own unique flair to this dish.
One option is to switch up the type of cheese used. If you’re feeling daring, try swapping sharp cheddar for smoked gouda or garlic cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Alternatively, experiment with a combination of different cheeses to create a cheesy grits casserole that’s uniquely yours.
For those who are looking for a healthier version of this casserole recipe, ingredient substitutions such as egg substitute and skim milk can be used in place of eggs and butter to achieve a similar taste without added fat. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage instead of ground pork for a leaner protein option.
To make your grits casserole recipe heartier, try adding cooked bacon or breakfast sausage to the mix before baking. Shrimp and grits lovers can also add some shrimp on top before baking for a twist on the classic Southern dish. For a vegetarian option, simply leave out the meat altogether and load up on veggies like collard greens casserole.
If you prefer a creamier texture, stone-ground grits can be used in place of quick-cooking grits for creamy grits casserole. Regular grits can also be used if quick-cooking grits are not available.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose to make, this cheesy grits casserole will always warm your soul and delight your senses with its delicious Southern flavors.
Serving and Pairing
As a chef specializing in southern cuisine, I highly recommend serving this Southern Grits Casserole Recipe as a hearty breakfast or brunch meal. The cheesy grits bring a level of comfort to the palate that is unmatched by any other breakfast dish. This casserole recipe is versatile enough to be served for lunch and dinner as well.
To further enhance the savory flavor of this dish, I suggest pairing it with some crisp bacon or breakfast sausage. The sharp cheddar cheese is a perfect complement to the pork flavors, adding a tangy and zesty aftertaste that lingers in your mouth.
If you’re looking for a healthy and wholesome twist on this recipe, I recommend pairing it with some collard greens or sauteed spinach. The leafy greens add a depth of flavor and texture to your plate, balancing out the rich and creamy goodness of the grits.
For those who enjoy seafood, this Southern Grits Casserole Recipe pairs perfectly with shrimp or crawfish as is customary in Shrimp and grits staple. The slight saltiness of the shellfish flavors adds an oceanic highlight to the overall experience of eating this delicious casserole.
Finally, I recommend trying different types of cheese for your casserole topping. Sharp cheddar cheese is an excellent choice, but you can also use smoked gouda cheese for a slightly smoky flavor or combine different types of cheeses like garlic cheese for added depth to match your preference.
Overall, this grits casserole recipe is easy to make and versatile enough to be paired with different ingredients. It’s no wonder southern living attests that it’s one of the best grits casserole around!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy chef, I know how important it is to be able to prepare meals in advance. The Southern Grits Casserole Recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, and it stores exceptionally well in the fridge or freezer.
To make ahead: Prepare the grits casserole recipe as indicated in the recipe instructions. Once the casserole has cooled, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to two days.
To store: If you have any leftovers from this delicious dish, simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.
To reheat: Whether you are reheating a freshly made grits casserole or one that has been stored in the refrigerator or freezer, here are some tips for achieving perfect results:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
– Remove the casserole from the fridge or freezer and let it come to room temperature.
– Place the casserole in an ovenproof dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
– Bake for 20 minutes if reheating a chilled casserole, or 30 minutes if frozen, then uncover and continue baking until heated through.
– For even more flavor, sprinkle some additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole during the last few minutes of baking!
Not only is this Southern Grits Casserole Recipe versatile and easy to make, but it’s also perfect for meal prep and feeding a crowd. Better still, its delicious flavors get even better with time!
Tips for Perfect Results
To me, it’s all about the details when it comes to a good grits casserole. Here are some tips that can make your cheesy grits casserole worthy of any southern table.
– Stone Ground Grits for Texture: For creamy grits, choose stone-ground grits instead of regular grits. Stone-ground grits take longer to cook but produce a creamier texture than quick cooking grits.
– Cheese Choice: Select sharp cheddar cheese or gouda cheese for a deliciously rich flavor in your casserole recipe.
– Get Them Cheesy and Gooey: You can never have too much cheese on your homemade casserole. Don’t be afraid to add more shredded cheddar cheese on top of the dish before putting it in the oven.
– Cook the Pork Sausage Properly: Cooking grits with ground pork sausage can give the dish a great flavor. Be sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before adding it to the cheesy grits batter.
– Avoid Scrambled Eggs: When preparing this breakfast casserole, avoid over-cooking or scrambling the eggs. Remember to mix them well with the rest of the ingredients when making the batter.
– Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F before baking, so that will save you time and ensure an even temperature within a safe range.
– Spray Cooking Dish with Cooking Spray: Grease the baking dish with cooking spray or butter. It will prevent food sticking from all around and help easy clean-up afterward.
– Give It Time to Settle: To get nicely sliced casserole pieces, allow your breakfast casserole recipe to cool down and settle for at least ten minutes after you take it out of the oven, Trust me; this tip is worth waiting for!
Making this cheesy southern grits casserole recipe requires some tricks up my sleeve. With these easy tips, you’ll have a delicious breakfast casserole with sumptuously creamy cheesy grits every time!
FAQ
But, before you start preparing your delicious Southern Grits Casserole, you may have some doubts about the recipe. In this section, I will answer some frequently asked questions that could help you achieve the perfect result every time. With these tips and tricks, you’ll become a master of the best cheesy grits casserole out there.
What is the Southern US dish grit?
Southern grits are a type of porridge made from stone-ground dried corn. This creamy dish can be enjoyed any time of day and is similar to polenta in terms of its ingredients and cooking process. Grits are prepared by slow-cooking the cornmeal in water until it releases its starch and becomes soft and smooth.
What do they put on grits in the South?
Grits, while a staple in Southern cuisine, are not always celebrated for their taste. To add a little more flavor to them, they are usually paired with ingredients like cheese, cream, butter, or gravy, and served with toppings such as bacon, ham, shrimp, or mushrooms. One famous Southern dish, shrimp and grits, is a delicious introduction to the hearty, smooth texture of grits.
What does adding an egg to grits do?
To elevate the breakfast experience, consider incorporating a raw egg yolk into hot grits or savory oatmeal. This simple addition enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of indulgence to the meal.
What can I add to grits to make it taste better?
For flavoring your southern-style dish, you can add some delightful sweet components like peanut butter or berries, as well as raisins, syrup, brown sugar, butter or even some jam. Or, if you’re more into savory, you might want to consider adding in some cheese, fried eggs, crumbled bacon or even caramelized onion. Roasted red peppers, juicy tomatoes, scallions or herbs would make excellent savory choices as well.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, my southern grits casserole recipe is the perfect dish for breakfast or brunch, and it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. With its creamy texture and a strong hint of cheddar cheese, this dish is a heartwarming meal that’ll keep you coming back for more. The recipe is pretty easy to follow, and with the tips outlined above in this article, you’re sure to get perfect results every time.
With plenty of substitutions and variations available, there are endless ways to make this dish your own. Whether you’re using shrimp, bacon, sausage or even collard greens, the possibilities are endless. So why not try it out for yourself?
Making a southern grits casserole is like creating a piece of art – there’s always room for creativity and imagination. And whether you’re making it for your family or hosting a brunch party with friends, this dish is sure to impress.
So be bold and daring in the kitchen and treat yourself to my scrumptious southern grits casserole. Trust me; it will be love at first bite!
Southern Grits Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked grits, hot (I use yellow grits)
- 2/3 cup skim milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups egg substitute or 2 whole eggs
- 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup)
- 1/2 cup crisp bacon, crumbled (I use Oscar Meyer or Hormel real bacon bits)
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray 9x12x2-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place hot grits in large bowl.
- Add butter and stir to mix and let butter melt.
- Add liquid ingredients and stir to mix well.
- Pour into casserole.
- Place casserole in oven; place pan of water on shelf below casserole.
- This helps keep carrerole from drying out.
- Bake 50 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle casserole with cheese and then bacon.
- Return to oven for an additional 10 minutes until just set in the middle.
- Serve hot.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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