Senior Breakfast Cheese Grits
Creamy cheesy grits with garlic flavor, topped with mild cheese, perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch that appeals to comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir grits slowly into boiling salted water in a heavy saucepan.
- Return to boil, then reduce heat.
- Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often until thickened.
- Remove from heat and add garlic cheese, stirring until melted.
- Add butter, milk, and beaten eggs to the mixture.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle with mild grated cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour.
- Let stand a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the garlic cheese with a combination of cream cheese and garlic powder if unavailable. To enhance flavor, try adding cooked sausage or diced bell peppers. Ensure you stir the grits constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency, similar to making Mashed Potato Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheese grits as a hearty breakfast or brunch alongside fried eggs or crispy bacon for a satisfying meal. They pair beautifully with a side of sautéed greens or fresh fruit. For a unique twist, consider serving them with a drizzle of hot sauce or incorporating them into a breakfast burrito. This dish also complements American recipes that feature Southern flavors.
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 maintain moisture, and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through. For a crispy top, you can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Senior Breakfast Cheese Grits contains roughly 1103 calories, with 16g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (33% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 966mg per serving (42% 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 cheese grits the day before and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for an easy breakfast option.
What can I use instead of garlic cheese?
If you can't find garlic cheese, you can create a similar flavor by mixing cream cheese with minced garlic and a bit of cheddar. Alternatively, any sharp cheese will work well, but you may want to add extra garlic powder to taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is inherently vegetarian. Just ensure that the cheeses you use are made without animal rennet. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor, keeping it aligned with vegetarian recipes.
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).