Grits Casserole

Content… What’s the Secret? Recipe Ingredients How to Make It Recipe Variations Tips and Tricks Make-Ahead Instructions Serving and Storage Instructions FAQs What to Serve More Amazing Brunch Recipes to Try Conclusion Watch How to Make It

What’s the Secret to Perfect Grits?

A couple of tricks I’ve learned over the years are, first, cook the grits over low heat and don’t rush the process. Second, cook grits slowly, so time management is essential. And third, stay close to the stove. Grits cook best when you stir them constantly for the first few minutes, then stir them regularly for the remainder of the cooking time.

Recipe Ingredients

1. Sausage – Adds a nice smoky flavor, making this dish even heartier. You can substitute it with ham if you have some holiday leftovers!
2. Veggies – These guys provide a great flavor base with a touch of sweetness, texture, and crunch.
3. Liquids – I prefer chicken broth over water because it enhances the flavor of the casserole. And, of course, milk always makes grits creamier.
4. Grits – Good-quality stone-ground grits are my choice, but quick grits will work too.
5. Eggs and Butter – These ingredients give your grits casserole a rich flavor while holding it together.
6. Cheese – I used cheddar cheese and parmesan, but you could use almost any cheese. Mozzarella, smoked Gouda, and Provolone are excellent for a few ideas.
7. Garnish – I love green onions and parsley because they add extra flavor!

How to Make Grits Casserole

• Cook Sausage – Add ground sausage to a medium skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking it up to prevent clumping. (Photos 1-2)
• Add Veggies – Throw in the onion, garlic, and bell pepper – sauté for 2-3 minutes or until onions are translucent. Set aside. (Photos 3-4)
• Add Liquid – Add chicken broth and milk to a 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil. (Photo 5)
• Cook Grits – As soon as it boils, gradually whisk in the grits until you’ve added the whole thing to the pan. Stir continuously with a whisk to prevent lumps. You might have to remove the saucepan from heat while getting rid of lumps – if needed. Lower the heat and cook grits at a barely a simmer, covered, stirring frequently, until water is fully absorbed and grits thicken. Depending on your grits, this may take 10 minutes or more. (Photo 6)
• Add Cheese – Remove grits from heat; add butter, parmesan, and half a cup of cheddar cheese, whisking until cheese melts. (Photo 7)
• Final Touch – Mix in cooked breakfast sausage to the grits together with eggs, Worcestershire sauce, optional Creole seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and some green onions. (Photo 8-11)
• Bake – Transfer to a greased 3-quart or 13×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350℉/177℃ for 20-30 minutes or until the center is set. Let it cool slightly before serving, and sprinkle with green onions and parsley if desired. Enjoy!! (Photo 12)

Recipe Variations

1. Sauteed shrimp or mushrooms create an excellent flavor pairing for an extra fancy brunch.
2. A dash of hot sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes will kick it up the Scoville scale. Yum!
3. Replacing half of the milk with cream cheese or heavy cream will ramp up the creamy richness.

Tips and Tricks

1. If the grits are thicker than you prefer as you mix everything, add milk or chicken broth a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
2. Cook grits on as low as possible, stir constantly at the beginning, and stretch the cooking time for a silky texture.
3. Stone-ground grits take longer to cook than regular. So keep an eye on them as they’re cooking, and be ready to extend the cooking time if necessary.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This dish is great to make when you’re expecting company because you can cook it ahead and store it in the freezer for four weeks! Cool the casserole completely and cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap before freezing. Defrost it in the refrigerator the day before you need it!

Serving and Storage Instructions

This deliciousness is best straight out of the oven. Well, you do want it to rest for a few minutes so you don’t burn your mouth.

You can store leftover cooked grits casserole in the fridge! Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To reheat, allow the casserole to reach room temperature, then bake it in a 350℉/177℃ oven until heated through, usually around 20 minutes.

FAQs

What to Serve With Grits Casserole

This casserole is a full-meal deal! But I like to serve it with a side of fresh fruit to balance the richness. Tropical fruit salad is a refreshing side. No self-respecting Southern meal can lack flaky homemade butter biscuits, but Southern buttermilk biscuits or 3-ingredient biscuits also make great additions to the table.

More Amazing Brunch Recipes to Try

• Grit Cakes
• Sweet Potato Pancakes
• Brioche French Toast
• Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
• Cranberry Orange Scones
• Sausage Breakfast Pizza

Conclusion

This Southern classic with a twist, Grits Casserole, is a cheesy, creamy masterpiece that makes entertaining simple! What do you usually include on your brunch table? Oh, and sign up for my newsletter to avoid missing any upcoming fall treats!❤️

Watch How to Make It

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