Cheese Grits Casserole

Easy Cheese Grits Casserole recipe is the perfect comfort side dish for breakfast, brunch, or even a weeknight dinner. Cheesy baked grits can be made ahead as overnight grits casserole for easy entertaining!

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 5

Servings

Author Melissa Erdelac

Ingredients

2 ½ cups water
12 ounce can evaporated milk
1 cup grits quick-cooking or regular
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese divided
2 large eggs

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 8X8 or 2 quart baking dish. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan bring the water and evaporated milk to a boil. Watch carefully as the mixture heats up because the milk has a tendency to boil over if the heat is too high.
2 ½ cups water, 12 ounce can evaporated milk
Slowly stir in grits, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and cover. For regular grits, cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. For quick-cooking grits, cover and cook on low for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
1 cup grits, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Remove from heat and add the butter and 1 cup shredded cheese. Stir until smooth and set aside.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 cups sharp cheddar cheese,
In a small bowl whisk the eggs. Add about ¼ cup grits mixture to the eggs and whisk warm up the eggs befroe adding to the pot. Add the egg mixture to the grits, stirring vigorously.
2 large eggs
Pour into prepared baking dish and top with remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until top is golden and edges are firmly set.
1 cups sharp cheddar cheese,

Notes

Cooks Tips

If serving a crowd, recipe may be doubled and baked in 9X13 pan.
Prepare any type of preferred grits, quick, regular, or stone ground.
Freshly grated cheese is best so the grits remain smooth and creamy instead of grainy.
Use leftover cooked grits, slightly rewarmed. Adjust amount of added butter, cheese, and milk depending on how much the prepared grits already contains.

Additions / Modifications

Add any of these suggested ingredients to make it your own. Increase baking dish size, depending on how much being added.

Sausage Grits Casserole - Stir in 1/2 pound cooked pork breakfast sausage
Garlic Cheese Grits - Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 minced garlic clove
Bacon Grits Casserole - Stir in 6 slices cooked and crumbled bacon, reserving some to sprinkle on top with cheese.
Sprinkle top with paprika for a richer golden color and taste.
Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a boost of salty flavor.
Any preferred cheese may be used, like pepper jack, gouda, parmesan, white cheddar, or medium cheddar.

Nutrition