Delicious Baked Cheese Grits Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 1 hour
🕒 Prep Time: 35 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Description:
This beloved dish is a staple in our home—a creamy, cheesy delight that’s perfect as a comforting side. The preparation includes cooking the grits to perfection, blending them with savory ingredients, and baking until golden and bubbly.
Recipe Category:
Vegetable
Keywords:
High In…, < 4 Hours, Easy
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | yellow corn grits |
| 1/2 cup | butter |
| – | fresh garlic, minced |
| 2 cups | shredded cheddar cheese |
| 2 | eggs |
| 3/4 cup | milk |
| 1 cup | half-and-half cream |
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 561.5
- Fat: 47.8g
- Saturated Fat: 29.1g
- Cholesterol: 287.5mg
- Sodium: 598.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.8g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 0.7g
- Protein: 22g
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter an 8-inch square baking pan to prepare it for the grits mixture.
-
Cooking the Grits:
- Follow the package directions for cooking the yellow corn grits, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
- While cooking, add in the butter, minced garlic (adjust to taste), salt, and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the grits.
-
Preparing the Mixture:
- In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs together with the milk until well combined.
- Gradually add this egg and milk mixture into the cooked grits, stirring continuously to incorporate thoroughly.
-
Baking:
- Transfer the prepared grits mixture into the buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly.
-
Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the mixture is set and the top is golden brown and slightly bubbly.
-
Serving:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve the delicious baked cheese grits warm as a delightful side dish.
Tips for Success:
- Cheese Choice: Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors—try smoked gouda or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Texture: For extra creaminess, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
- Customization: Add diced jalapeños or bacon bits for a twist on traditional flavors.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the grits mixture ahead of time and bake just before serving for convenience.
This recipe for delicious baked cheese grits is sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it is in mine. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness alongside your favorite main dishes or as a standout side at any gathering.
