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Cheesy Grits Casserole 1

Cheesy Grits Casserole

This indulgent Cheesy Grits Casserole transforms basic grits into a creamy, comforting dish that's equally at home on your breakfast table or holiday spread. Combining rustic stone-ground grits with sharp cheddar cheese creates a velvety texture and rich flavor profile that's impossible to resist.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 8 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish or 2-quart casserole
  • Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups stone-ground grits substitute quick-cooking grits if short on time
  • 8 cups water or chicken broth broth adds deeper flavor
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup whole milk substitute half-and-half for extra richness or 2% for lighter option
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated divided (reserve 1/2 cup for topping)
  • 4 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for subtle heat
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Bring water or broth to a rolling boil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add salt, then slowly whisk in the grits, ensuring no lumps form.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently (every 5-7 minutes) until grits are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, about 30-35 minutes for stone-ground varieties.
  • Once grits have reached a creamy consistency, remove from heat. Add the butter and stir until completely melted and incorporated.
  • Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes, then gradually whisk in the beaten eggs, stirring constantly.
  • Fold in 2½ cups of the grated cheddar cheese (reserving ½ cup for topping), along with the garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish or 2-quart casserole.
  • Pour the cheesy grits mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of cheese evenly across the surface.
  • Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges begin to pull away slightly from the dish.
  • Sprinkle with fresh green onions before serving.

Notes

For a make-ahead option, prepare the casserole up to the baking step, refrigerate overnight, then bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves after 24 hours as ingredients meld.
For a lighter version, replace half the cheddar with a smaller amount of extra-sharp variety, substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk, reduce butter to ¼ cup, and use 2 whole eggs plus 4 egg whites instead of 4 whole eggs.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 17gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 830mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 2g
Keyword Grits, Cheesy Grits, Casserole, Southern Food, Comfort Food
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