Creamy, Fluffy Cheese Grits Casserole

My easy grits casserole is the creamy, cheesy baked grits you'll make for breakfast, overnight guests, and weeknight dinners. If you've ever pulled baked grits out of the oven and found a separated ,watery mess, I've got the fix. Evaporated milk gives you silky, thick, scoopable grits every time. There's a quick grits option, and you can even assemble it the night before for an easy make-ahead casserole.

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

Make-Ahead Overnight Option

Prepare the grits and casserole as directed above, leaving the cheese off the top. Set out to cool completely, cover, and transfer to the refrigerator overnight. The next day, top with additional cheese and bake, adding 5-10 minutes to baking time.

Nutrition