Cheese Grits Souffl
Cheese Grits Soufflé offers a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish with a crispy top, perfect for brunch or comfort food gatherings that enjoy rich flavors and smooth textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, put the quick cooking grits in 3 cups of boiling water.
- Cook over low heat until very thick.
- Remove from heat and add butter, stirring until melted.
- Add salt and black pepper, stirring to combine.
- Mix eggs into milk separately.
- Add the egg-milk mixture to the cooked grits and mix well.
- Stir in the grated sharp Cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 3-quart deep casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 40 to 50 minutes until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the grits while cooking. For a twist, substitute the sharp Cheddar with Gruyère or pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick. Ensure you fold the egg-milk mixture gently into the grits to keep the soufflé light and airy. Using quick-cooking grits is essential for the right consistency in this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheese Grits Soufflé hot as a comforting main dish or a delightful side. It pairs beautifully with fried chicken or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. For brunch, consider accompanying it with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance the richness. It also complements the flavors of American recipes well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to maintain moisture and creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Grits Souffl contains roughly 980 calories, with 13g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (64% of the Daily Value), calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1613mg per serving (70% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the grits mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just before baking, allow it to come to room temperature, then pour it into the casserole dish and bake as directed. This makes it a convenient dish for gatherings or meal prep.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For a richer flavor, you can use ghee, which is a clarified butter, or even bacon grease for a smoky note, depending on your dietary preferences.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but you can enhance it by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor. Just ensure your cheese choice is suitable for vegetarians, as some cheeses use animal rennet.
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).