Southern Breakfast Casserole
A hearty Southern breakfast casserole combining savory sausage, creamy cheesy grits, and eggs for a comforting start to your day. Perfect for family brunches or weekend gatherings, this dish offers rich flavors and satisfying textures that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and sprinkle it in the bottom of a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Cook the quick grits in boiling water according to package instructions until thickened and creamy.
- Add butter to the cooked grits and pour the mixture over the browned sausage in the casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with milk, and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the grits and sausage, then top with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until set and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using spicy sausage or incorporating green onions into the grits. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a kick. If you're short on time, pre-cooked grits can save you some hassle. Make sure to season your egg mixture generously with salt and pepper for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern Breakfast Casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a light green salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving with hot sauce for those who like a bit of heat. For a complete brunch, it goes well alongside Easy Lemon Pie or Double Delicious Bars for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Breakfast Casserole contains roughly 1297 calories, with 21g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (49% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1013mg per serving (44% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Simply assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is traditional, you can use a blend of cheeses such as Monterey Jack or even crumbled feta for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of how the cheese melts and the overall consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring that the sausage and any other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free. The quick grits are typically gluten-free, but always check the package to be sure.
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).