Cheese Grits Casserole
Cheese Grits Casserole is a comforting Southern dish that features creamy, buttery grits combined with rich cheese and eggs, baked to perfection. It's perfect for brunch gatherings or as a hearty side dish, satisfying cheese lovers with its deliciously indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook grits according to package.
- While hot, add butter and Kraft cheese.
- Stir until melted.
- Let cool slightly.
- Add eggs to grits mixture and stir well.
- Pour into greased 2-quart casserole.
- Sprinkle top with grated cheese.
- Bake in 350° oven for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using milk or cream instead of water when cooking the grits. You can substitute the Kraft cheese with any melting cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor. To save time, prepare the grits the night before and simply assemble the casserole in the morning. This dish can be adapted to vegetarian recipes by omitting the bacon cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Cheese grits casserole is perfect as a hearty breakfast or brunch dish and pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a side of sautéed greens. For a complete meal, serve with crispy bacon or sausage links. You can also enjoy it as a side dish during dinner, especially alongside Southern-inspired recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but for best texture, the oven method is preferred.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Grits Casserole contains roughly 361 calories, with 7g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), calcium (16% of the Daily Value), and protein (14% 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 use instant grits instead of regular grits?
Yes, you can use instant grits for a quicker preparation. Just follow the package instructions for cooking, but be aware that the texture may be creamier and less firm than traditional grits.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the cheese grits casserole gluten-free, ensure that the cheese and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free. Grits are naturally gluten-free, so as long as you check your labels, you can enjoy this dish without worry.
Can I freeze the cheese grits casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
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).