Baked Grits With Ham, Wild Mushrooms, and Parmesan
Description
A delightful dish that elevates traditional grits to new heights, this recipe combines the creamy goodness of baked grits with the savory flavors of ham and wild mushrooms, finished with a touch of parmesan cheese. Originating from Bon Appetit, this recipe has quickly become a cherished favorite for those who appreciate the rich, comforting nature of grits.
Recipe Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Category | Grains |
| Servings | 6 |
| Rating | 4 (1 review) |
Keywords
- Vegetable
- Savory
- Oven
- Stove Top
- < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 401.7 |
| Fat Content | 25.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 111.9 mg |
| Sodium | 878.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24.8 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1.4 g |
| Protein | 15.1 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 3/4 cups | Water |
| 1 teaspoon | Salt |
| 1 cup | Corn grits (also known as polenta) |
| 3/4 cup | Parmesan cheese, grated |
| 1/2 cup | White cheddar cheese, grated |
| 4 tablespoons | Butter |
| 1 | Egg |
| 1 cup | Country ham, diced |
| 4 | Shallots, minced |
| 1/2 cup | Dry white wine |
| 2 tablespoons | Fresh thyme, chopped |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C), creating a warm environment for your dish to cook evenly.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Generously butter an 8x8x2-inch glass baking dish to prevent the grits from sticking and to enhance the flavor.
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Cook the Grits: In a heavy medium pot, bring 4 3/4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, slowly add the corn grits in a thin, steady stream while stirring constantly to avoid clumping.
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Simmer the Grits: Reduce the heat to low, allowing the grits to simmer. Stir frequently for about 20 minutes, or until they have thickened significantly and have absorbed most of the water.
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Combine with Cheeses: Once cooked, transfer the thickened grits to a large mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the grated white cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix well until the cheeses are melted and fully incorporated.
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Season the Grits: Season the mixture with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Then, whisk in 1 egg until completely blended into the grits.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully pour the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking.
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Create a Water Bath: Place the baking dish inside a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This water bath will help the grits cook gently and evenly.
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Bake the Grits: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the grits are firm to the touch and slightly golden on top.
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Sauté the Toppings: While the grits are baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced country ham, assorted wild mushrooms, and minced shallots. Sauté for about 4 minutes, or until the mushrooms have become tender and the shallots are translucent.
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Deglaze and Thicken: Pour in the dry white wine, cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated, which should take about 3 minutes. Next, add the whipping cream and continue to cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, another 3 minutes.
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Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped fresh thyme, enhancing the dish with its aromatic flavor. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking.
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Serve the Dish: Once the grits are baked and firm, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly. Spoon generous portions of the baked corn grits onto individual plates.
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Top with the Mushroom and Ham Mixture: Carefully spoon the sautéed mushroom and ham mixture over the grits, ensuring each serving is well adorned.
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Finish with Parmesan: Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the servings, adding a delightful finishing touch.
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Enjoy Immediately: Serve the dish warm, allowing everyone to enjoy the creamy, savory combination of flavors that this dish offers.
Tips
- Corn Grits Availability: If you cannot find corn grits, you can substitute with 1 cup of regular yellow cornmeal, simmering for about 10 minutes to achieve a similar consistency.
- Mushroom Variations: Feel free to use any combination of wild mushrooms you prefer, such as shiitake, cremini, or oyster mushrooms, to further enhance the flavor profile.
This Baked Grits with Ham, Wild Mushrooms, and Parmesan recipe is not only a satisfying comfort food but also a wonderful dish for entertaining, sure to impress your family and friends with its depth of flavor and delightful textures. Enjoy this comforting classic at your next gathering!
