Grits Casserole – Immaculate Bites

The Secret to Perfectly Smooth Grits

A couple of tricks I’ve learned over the years are, first, cooking the grits over low heat. Second, cook the grits slowly. Low and slow is the way to go.

And third, stay close to the stove. Grits cook best when stirred constantly for the first few minutes, then stirred 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 or crumbled bacon if you like.
2. Veggies – Garlic, onion, and bell pepper 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. Dairy – Eggs and butter give your grits casserole a rich flavor while holding it together. Cheddar cheese and Parmesan deliver bold flavors and creaminess. Additional cheese options include mozzarella, smoked Gouda, and Provolone, for a few ideas.
6. Seasonings – A dash of Worcestershire adds a delightful tang. Creole seasoning is optional but lends a touch of smokiness.
7. Garnish – Green onions and parsley add extra flavor. Other garnish ideas include chives or seasoned breadcrumbs.

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.
• Add Veggies – Throw in the onion, garlic, and bell pepper – sauté for 2-3 minutes or until onions are translucent. Set aside.
• Add Liquid – Add chicken broth and milk to a 3-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil.
• 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. Lower the heat and cook grits at 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.
• Add Cheese – Remove grits from heat; add butter, Parmesan, and half a cup of cheddar cheese, whisking until cheese melts.
• Final Touch – Mix the cooked breakfast sausage and grits with eggs, Worcestershire sauce, optional Creole seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, and some green onions.
• 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!!

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy – A pinch of cayenne, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will kick it up the Scoville scale. 😉
2. Veggie Swap – Replace the red bell pepper with green or yellow pepper, depending on your preference. Or add sauteed spinach for more color and nutrients.
3. Creamier Grits – Replace half of the milk with cream cheese or heavy cream to ramp up the creamy richness.
4. Holiday Brunch Add-Ins – Sauteed shrimp or mushrooms create an excellent flavor pairing for an extra fancy brunch.
5. Toppings – Sprinkle ½ cup grated Parmesan on top of the casserole before cooking to get a nice, crispy topping. You can also top the casserole with crispy onions if you prefer.

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 cook, and be ready to extend the cooking time if necessary.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This dish is excellent when 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 cheese 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 (around 20 minutes).

What to Serve With Grits Casserole

This casserole is a full-meal deal! No self-respecting Southern meal can lack flaky homemade butter biscuits or Southern buttermilk biscuits. A refreshing tropical fruit salad is a great brunch table addition to balance the casserole’s richness.

More Amazing Brunch Recipes to Try

1. Grit Cakes
2. Sweet Potato Pancakes
3. Brioche French Toast
4. Cranberry Orange Scones
5. Sausage Breakfast Pizza

By Imma

Watch How to Make It

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This blog post was originally published in October 2022 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video