Make this baked cheese grits casserole for a creamy, cheesy, and comforting Southern side dish perfect for brunch or dinner.
Author:maddie-thompson
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Southern American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups water
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup stone-ground grits
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large saucepan, combine the water, milk, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently until the grits are thick and tender.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter until it melts completely.
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the grits are smooth.
Stir in the heavy cream, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Pour the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the casserole is heated through.
Let the grits rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, substitute chicken broth for the water when cooking the grits.
You can prepare the grits mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add a splash of milk before baking if the mixture seems too stiff.
This recipe works well as a base for shrimp and grits; serve immediately after baking.