Grits And Cheese Souffle
Grits and cheese souffle is a creamy, savory dish featuring fluffy whipped egg whites folded into cheesy, buttery grits. Perfect for brunch or comfort food, it combines the richness of sharp cheddar with a hint of nutmeg and Tabasco for a flavorful, satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 2-quart souffle dish.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cook the grits in milk and water according to the package directions.
- Add salt to taste.
- When the grits are cooked, add pepper, grated nutmeg, Tabasco, and all but 1/2 cup of the grated cheese.
- Mix well and allow to cool slightly.
- Add the egg yolks to the cooled mixture and stir in.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Fold half of the beaten egg whites into the grit mixture and beat well.
- Gently fold in the remaining egg whites with a rubber spatula.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared souffle dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25 minutes until puffed and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, ensure your egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks, as this will help the souffle rise beautifully. If you're short on sharp Cheddar, a mix of different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack can work well too. For a bit of zest, consider adding sautéed vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms, making it a lovely vegetarian dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the grits and cheese souffle warm, garnished with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a delightful brunch option, consider serving it alongside Stuffed Orange French Toast for a comforting spread.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the souffle to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the souffle in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, restoring some of its original fluffiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grits And Cheese Souffle contains roughly 862 calories, with 13g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1744mg per serving (76% 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 souffle ahead of time?
While this souffle is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the grits mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. On baking day, just fold in the egg whites, transfer to the prepared dish, and bake as directed for a quick and impressive dish.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for alternatives to sharp Cheddar, consider using Gruyère or a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack and Parmesan. Each will impart a unique flavor, giving the souffle an interesting twist while still keeping it creamy and delicious.
Why is my souffle not rising?
If your souffle isn't rising, it might be due to under-beaten egg whites or over-mixing the batter after adding them. Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature and whipped until stiff peaks form. Also, avoid deflating the mixture when folding in the egg whites to maintain the airy texture.
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).