16 Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe Southern Living Discover Culinary Perfection!

Ingredients for Cheese Grits Casserole

Grits:

Of course, the star of this dish is the grits. You'll need 1 cup of stone-ground grits, which can usually be found in the baking aisle of your local grocery store. Make sure to avoid quick-cooking or instant grits, as they won't give you the same creamy texture and rich flavor as stone-ground grits.

Cheese:

To add some cheesy goodness to this casserole, you'll need 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. You can use a combination of different types of cheddar, such as sharp and mild, for a more complex flavor. You can also substitute with other types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack, to mix things up.

Sausage:

To give this casserole some protein and a savory kick, you'll need 1 pound of breakfast sausage. You can use any type of breakfast sausage you prefer, such as spicy, maple, or sage, to suit your taste buds.

Spices:

To add some depth of flavor to the casserole, you'll need 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. These spices will give the dish a subtle heat and a hint of savory and sweet notes.

Eggs and Milk:

To bind everything together and give the casserole a fluffy texture, you'll need 3 large eggs and 1 cup of milk. You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole, 2%, or almond milk, depending on your dietary needs and preferences.

Butter:

To grease the casserole dish and add a touch of richness to the dish, you'll need 2 tablespoons of butter. You can also use cooking spray if you prefer.

Instructions for Making Cheese Grits Casserole

Now that you have all your ingredients, let's dive into how to make this delicious cheese grits casserole. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add the grits and stir constantly for 5-7 minutes until they thicken. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.

In a separate pan, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and add the sausage to the grits mixture, along with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix well.

In a separate bowl, beat together 3 eggs and 1 cup of milk. Pour this mixture into the grits and sausage mixture and stir until well combined.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is set.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. You can also garnish with some chopped green onions or fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor and color. Enjoy your delicious and comforting cheese grits casserole!

With this easy and versatile recipe, you can satisfy your cravings for a classic Southern breakfast dish in no time. Serve it up for a weekend brunch with friends and family or make it ahead of time for a quick and delicious breakfast during the week. Now that you know how to make this cheese grits casserole, it's time to get cooking and enjoy all the cheesy, savory, and spicy goodness!