I’m a Southern belle at heart, and I love the warm taste of breakfast grits casserole. The smell of creamy, cheesy grits in the kitchen always woke me up. Now, I’m excited to share my easy recipe for a delicious breakfast grits casserole that your family will love.
This Southern-style grits casserole is a labor of love. It combines creamy grits, sharp cheddar cheese, and eggs for a satisfying start to your day. It’s not just tasty; it’s also filling, making sure you’re energized in the morning.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Hearty breakfast grits casserole with creamy Southern-style grits, cheese, and eggs
- Recipe serves 16 with 403 calories per serving
- A total prep and cook time of 1 hour and 5 minutes.
- Essential ingredients include grits, Cheddar cheese, butter, ground pork sausage, eggs, and milk
- Customizable with various cheese selections and seasonal add-ins
The Southern Tradition of Grits Casserole
Grits are a key part of Southern cooking, now seen in dishes like the grits casserole. Once, regular grits were the norm. But stone-ground grits have become popular, bringing a new texture and taste to these dishes.
History of Grits in American Cuisine
Grits started with Native American cultures, who ground dried corn into a coarse meal. European settlers in the South adopted this food, making grits a key part of their cuisine. Over time, grits breakfast bake recipes showed how versatile grits can be.
Why Grits Casserole Became a Breakfast Staple
The grits casserole became a breakfast favorite for its ease and ability to feed many. It’s perfect for holiday brunches and family gatherings. The casserole’s format makes it easy to prepare and serve, fitting well into today’s dining needs.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Grits Casserole
Making the perfect cheesy grits casserole or baked grits breakfast starts with choosing the right ingredients. At its core, the grits casserole dish is the creamy base. It’s where all the other flavors come together.
To start, 6 cups of water are used to cook 2 cups of uncooked grits. They become a thick, porridge-like texture. Then, 3 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of butter are added. This makes the base incredibly creamy.
For added heartiness, 1 pound of ground pork sausage is browned. Twelve large eggs are beaten and mixed in. This binds the casserole and gives it a rich, custard-like texture.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 6 cups |
| Uncooked Grits | 2 cups |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 3 cups |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Ground Pork Sausage | 1 pound |
| Eggs | 12 large |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
For extra flavor, some add Worcestershire sauce and paprika. Crispy bacon, diced country ham, or chopped jalapeños can also be added. They bring a burst of flavor and texture.
With these ingredients and a bit of cooking skill, you can make a cheesy grits casserole. It will impress your taste buds and take you to the South.
Step-by-Step Breakfast Grits Casserole Recipe
Make the perfect easy grits casserole or grits and egg casserole with this recipe. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious breakfast dish. It will impress your family and friends.
Preparing the Grits Base
First, cook the grits as the package says. Then, stir in the melted butter, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and your favorite seasonings. This creamy grits base is the casserole’s foundation.
Adding the Protein Components
In a different pan, brown the breakfast sausage until it’s completely cooked and crumbled. Drain any extra fat, then mix the sausage with the cheesy grits.
Incorporating Eggs and Cheese
Break the eggs into a bowl and beat them gently. Slowly whisk in a small portion of the hot grits to temper the eggs. Then, pour the eggs into the casserole dish, along with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes to cool down before serving. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful breakfast grits casserole with your loved ones.
Tips for Achieving Creamy, Restaurant-Quality Grits
Creating a delicious southern grits casserole or cheesy grits casserole can make your breakfast or brunch stand out. To get that restaurant-quality texture and taste, follow these key tips:
- Choose the right grits: Go for regular or stone-ground grits, not quick or instant. Stone-ground grits have a coarser texture and richer corn flavor, making your casserole more satisfying.
- Stir constantly: Stir the grits continuously while cooking to avoid lumps and get a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Temper the eggs: When adding eggs, slowly mix in a bit of the hot grits to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Incorporate cheese and butter gradually: Add cheese and butter slowly to the grits, whisking constantly. This will help achieve a silky, smooth result.
- Consider a cheese blend: Try mixing different cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and gouda. This will add complexity and flavor to your grits casserole.
By using these tips, you can make a southern grits casserole as good as the great american recipe 2024 winner. Impress your family and friends with a dish that rivals the best restaurants.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 212kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 126mg |
| Potassium | 150mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Vitamin A | 413IU |
| Vitamin C | 1mg |
| Calcium | 112mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Make-Ahead Instructions and Overnight Preparation
Making the grits breakfast bake in advance can save you plenty of time in the morning. You can put together this easy grits casserole the night before. Simply place it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Storage Guidelines
The casserole can stay in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Cover it well with plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist. Allow it to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for 4-5 days in an airtight container.
Reheating Methods
- For individual portions, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- To warm up the entire casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
- Avoid reheating the grits casserole in the oven without covering, as this can cause the top to become dry and crusty.
With these tips, you can enjoy the grits breakfast bake whenever you want. There’s no need to start over in the morning.
Cheese Selection and Customization Options
Choosing the right cheese is key for a great cheesy grits casserole. Cheddar is a top pick, with its tangy taste and smooth melt. Feel free to mix and match different cheeses to create your ideal flavor.
Adding Colby Jack cheese can add richness and depth. Mixing sharp cheddar with mild Colby creates a perfect balance. For a kick, try adding diced jalapeños or sautéed onions.
Explore beyond cheddar and Colby Jack. Try sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or pepper jack. This lets you tailor your southern grits casserole to your taste.
You can also add proteins like bacon, ham, or Mexican chorizo to your cheesy grits casserole. These add flavor and make the dish more filling.
| Cheese Options | Protein Add-Ins |
|---|---|
| Cheddar Cheese | Bacon |
| Colby Jack Cheese | Ham |
| Pepper Jack Cheese | Mexican Chorizo |
| Sharp Cheddar | Sausage |
| Mild Cheddar | Country Ham |
Customizing your grits casserole is endless. Mix cheeses and proteins to find the perfect taste. Your cheesy grits casserole will be a hit.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size Guidelines
The breakfast grits casserole recipe is not just tasty but also full of good stuff. Each serving has about 403 calories. It has 30g of fat, 17g of carbs, and 17g of protein. Remember, it’s high in cholesterol and saturated fat, so watch your portions.
Caloric Content and Macronutrients
This grits and egg casserole recipe makes 16 servings. It’s perfect for big groups or meal prep. Here’s what you get per serving:
- Calories: 403
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 17g
Portion Control Tips
To keep your diet balanced, try eating smaller portions. You can also add fresh fruits and veggies. The large serving size may encourage overeating. Pay attention to how full you feel.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 403 |
| Fat | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Protein | 17g |
| Cholesterol | 202mg |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
By controlling your portions and adding healthy sides, you can enjoy this breakfast grits casserole recipe as part of a healthy meal.
Seasonal Variations and Add-in Suggestions
Make your southern grits casserole even better by using seasonal flavors. As the weather changes, so do the flavors you can add. Let your creativity run wild with each season.
In the warmer months, add diced bell peppers or fresh spinach for color and crunch. Summer tomatoes and herbs bring a fresh taste to your grits breakfast bake. For fall, try sautéed mushrooms and sage for a rich flavor.
- Try different sausages or leftover holiday ham for extra protein.
- Add caramelized onions to your southern grits casserole for more flavor.
This dish is great because it can change with the seasons and your tastes. Be bold and make your grits breakfast bake unique. With a bit of creativity, you can turn this classic into a seasonal feast.
Pairing Ideas and Complementary Dishes
Make your grits brunch casserole even better by adding some tasty sides. Start with a mix of berries like blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Then, add a light salad to balance the casserole’s richness.
For a full Southern breakfast, try pairing your grits brunch casserole with bacon or sausage. The creamy grits, fluffy eggs, and savory pork will make your taste buds happy.
No Southern breakfast is complete without biscuits or toast. Serve your breakfast grits casserole recipe with these to make it feel like home. Add some mimosas or bloody marys for a fun brunch.
When planning your menu for the great american recipe 2024, think about all the ways you can pair your grits brunch casserole. Try fresh fruits, crisp salads, savory meats, or classic breakfast breads. The mix of flavors and textures will make your meal unforgettable.
Conclusion
This breakfast grits casserole recipe shows the lasting charm of Southern grits casserole food. It mixes old flavors with today’s ease, making it a standout Great American Recipe 2024 winner. It’s great for family meals, holiday brunches, or as a meal to prepare ahead.
The breakfast grits casserole recipe has deep roots in Southern cooking. It’s loved for its creamy texture, rich tastes, and warm feelings. It’s a dish that brings together Southern hospitality and family traditions.
Enjoying this breakfast grits casserole feels like stepping into a Southern kitchen. The smell of cooking grits and the joy of family moments are unforgettable. Let this recipe remind you of the joy of Southern grits casserole and the rich flavors of American food.
