My love affair with grits started when I arrived in the States. We’d eat them weekly, and I remember learning how to get them perfectly silky and smooth. So, it seemed natural to turn this traditional comfort food into a breakfast casserole. Treating my overnight guests to a luxurious breakfast makes me happy. This variation has all the creamy nostalgia of traditional cheese grits with some country breakfast faves. It’s easy to make ahead and reheat, giving you more special time around the breakfast table! 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
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
Tips and Tricks
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
By Imma
Watch How to Make It
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