Savory Sausage and Grits Casserole Recipe
Description: Delight in the comforting flavors of this Sausage and Grits Casserole, a perfect breakfast dish that blends creamy grits with savory sausage and a medley of flavors. Ideal for brunch gatherings or a satisfying family breakfast, this dish is sure to please. Serve it hot from the oven for a warm start to your day, and enjoy the compliments that follow!
Category: Breakfast
Keywords: Pork, Meat, Brunch, Oven, Inexpensive, Quick Prep
Cooking Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Grits | 1 cup |
| Breakfast sausage | 1 pound |
| Onion | 1 large |
| Green chilies (canned) | 2 (4 oz) cans |
| Butter | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Tabasco sauce | 10 dashes |
| Sweet paprika | 1¼ tsp |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | To garnish |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 695.2 |
| Total Fat | 51.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 25.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 214.3 mg |
| Sodium | 942.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g |
| Sugars | 3.9 g |
| Protein | 29.9 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 325°F (163°C). This temperature will ensure even cooking and a nicely browned top for your casserole.
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Prepare the Grits: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Gradually stir in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and cook according to the package directions until creamy and fully cooked. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Sauté the Sausage and Onions: While the grits are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. After a few minutes, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté both ingredients until the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
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Drain Excess Grease: Once the sausage and onions are cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
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Combine Ingredients: In the pot with the cooked grits, add the drained green chilies, butter, beaten eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and Tabasco sauce. Mix well until everything is combined and the butter is melted.
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Mix in the Sausage and Onions: Fold the sautéed sausage and onions into the grits mixture, ensuring an even distribution throughout. This will create a delightful blend of flavors in every bite.
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Prepare the Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish. Pour the grits and sausage mixture into the dish, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
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Garnish: Sprinkle the top with sweet paprika and chopped fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.
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Refrigeration Option: If you wish to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can cover and refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to two days. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure it cooks evenly.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
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Serving Suggestions: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares for serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced breakfast.
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Freezing Instructions: If you have leftovers or want to make this ahead, the casserole freezes beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
This Sausage and Grits Casserole not only brings the comforts of home cooking to your table but also creates a delightful centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch gathering. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty ingredients, knowing that this recipe has been carefully crafted to ensure satisfaction in every bite. Share your culinary creation with loved ones, and bask in the joy it brings to your dining experience!
