Baked Creamy Grits
Creamy baked grits with rich butter and eggs, offering a comforting texture and savory flavor, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or side dishes for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bring 2 cups of milk and chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add quick grits in a thin stream, stirring constantly, and cook over low heat for 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter, salt, and remaining 1/2 cup of milk.
- Beat the mixture well and fold in the beaten eggs.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes until set and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra creaminess, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're short on chicken broth, vegetable broth can be a suitable substitute. Stir in some grated cheese before baking for added flavor. Ensure you stir the quick grits continuously to avoid clumping, which is crucial for a smooth texture. This dish pairs beautifully with Debbie'S Country Fried Chicken for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Baked Creamy Grits can be served as a side dish or a main course. It pairs well with sautéed greens or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside chicken recipes like Creamy Chicken Broccoli or Chicken Chile Casserole. Top with diced scallions or shredded cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Creamy Grits contains roughly 509 calories, with 9g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1626mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the grits mixture and store it in the casserole dish covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven to bake.
What can I use instead of quick grits?
If you don't have quick grits, you can use regular grits, but the cooking time will increase significantly. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times, and keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different.
Can I add other ingredients to the grits?
Absolutely! You can mix in cooked bacon, sausage, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. Just ensure that any additional ingredients are cooked before folding them into the mixture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).