Southern Baked Grits
Creamy baked grits enriched with American cheese and butter, topped with savory seasonings, perfect for comforting breakfast or brunch, appealing to cheese lovers and Southern cuisine fans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir the quick cooking grits into boiling water and cook according to box directions, stirring often.
- Remove from heat and add butter. Stir well.
- Add grated American cheese, savory salt, salt, and a few drops of Tabasco sauce. Stir until combined.
- Fold in well-beaten eggs.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or substituting half the butter with cream cheese. If American cheese isn't available, a mix of cheddar and mozzarella works well for flavor and meltiness. For extra flavor, sauté some onions or peppers to mix in before baking. Be sure to stir the grits frequently while cooking to prevent lumps.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern Baked Grits dish pairs beautifully with a side of Creamy Dill Slaw for a refreshing contrast. Serve it as a hearty breakfast or brunch option alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. Alternatively, enjoy it as a comforting side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It also makes an excellent base for poached eggs.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked grits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, add a splash of milk or water, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Baked Grits contains roughly 268 calories, with 11g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 Southern Baked Grits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the grits mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Just assemble everything in the baking dish but hold off on baking until you're ready to serve. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Tabasco sauce if you're concerned about it containing animal products, and ensure your cheese is rennet-free. This recipe is easily adaptable to fit vegetarian diets while still being delicious and satisfying.
What can I substitute for quick cooking grits?
If you don't have quick cooking grits, you can use regular grits, but the cooking time will increase. Just follow the package instructions for the appropriate water ratio and cooking time. Alternatively, polenta can be used for a different texture and flavor.
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).