Texas Grits Casserole
A creamy, cheesy casserole with green peppers and onions, perfect for breakfast or brunch, offering hearty flavors with a spicy chili kick, suitable for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a saucepan and add grits and salt.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a skillet, sauté chopped green peppers and onions in butter until tender.
- Add the cooked vegetables to the grits along with the shredded cheese, chili powder, beaten eggs, and milk.
- Mix well until combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 1-quart casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until the center is firm.
- Sprinkle with additional cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the sharp Cheddar cheese with pepper jack for an extra kick. If you're short on time, quick-cooking grits can be used, but the texture may differ. Adding some cooked sausage or bacon can enhance the flavor as well, making it a hearty breakfast option. This dish can also be made ahead and baked later.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Texas Grits Casserole as a brunch centerpiece, accompanied by a fresh salad or some sliced tomatoes. It pairs beautifully with Mother'S Sunshine Bread Or Muffins for a complete meal. For a heartier option, add some crispy bacon or sausage on the side. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If it seems dry, you can add a splash of milk before reheating to restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Grits Casserole contains roughly 644 calories, with 9g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1874mg per serving (81% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Just assemble the mixture and refrigerate it, then bake it when you're ready to serve. It may need a few extra minutes in the oven if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of green peppers?
If you're not a fan of green peppers, feel free to substitute with other vegetables like diced tomatoes, zucchini, or even spinach. Each will offer a different flavor profile, so choose what suits your taste or what you have on hand.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Texas Grits Casserole is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. You can enhance the flavor by adding vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. It fits well within vegetarian recipes, making it a delicious option for meatless meals.
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).