Grits are like that cozy blanket you reach for on a chilly evening—they just hit the comfort spot. Growing up in the South, I remember mornings filled with the aroma of creamy grits, but guess what? They’re not just for breakfast anymore! These 14 dinner recipes will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about this humble dish, from savory shrimp combos to unexpected cheesy delights.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Boil 6 cups of water in a large saucepan, then stir in 2 cups of uncooked grits. Cover and simmer on reduced heat until the liquid is absorbed, roughly 5 minutes. Stir in 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese and half of the butter until melted.
- In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground pork sausage over medium-high heat until it is browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and add the sausage to the grits mixture.
- Whisk together 12 large eggs and ½ cup of milk in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet used for the sausage and lightly scramble the eggs over medium-low heat. Once cooked, combine the eggs with the grits mixture.
- Transfer the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot with the remaining butter, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Cheddar cheese on top, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven until the top is lightly browned, which should take about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked grits
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup butter, cut into pieces, divided
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 6,448 | Total Fat: 480g | Saturated Fat: 240g | Cholesterol: 3,232mg | Sodium: 7,344mg | Total Carbohydrate: 272g | Dietary Fiber: N/A | Total Sugars: 16g | Protein: 272g | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 3,600mg | Iron: 32mg | Potassium: 2,784mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the preheated oven until it’s lightly browned.
- How can I keep the casserole warm for serving?
- To keep the casserole warm after baking, you can transfer it to a slow cooker set on low or warm. This helps maintain its temperature without overcooking it.
- Can I substitute the pork sausage with another protein?
- Absolutely! You can replace the pork sausage with other proteins like turkey sausage, bacon, or a vegetarian sausage alternative if preferred.
- Is it possible to halve the recipe?
- Yes, you can easily halve the recipe to make a smaller portion. Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a smaller baking dish.
- What can I do if I want to add more flavor to the dish?
- For added flavor, consider incorporating ingredients such as chopped green onions, seasoning salt, or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preference.
Tips
- Pre-cook the sausage and drain excess fat to ensure your casserole isn’t overly greasy. This step will help achieve a fluffy texture.
- Add seasoning such as salt and pepper to your grits and eggs while cooking to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Consider using a slow cooker to keep the casserole warm, preventing the grits from going cold, which can affect the taste and texture.
- Experiment with different types of sausage or additional ingredients like green onions to customize the flavor to your preference.
Equipment
- Large baking dish
- Large saucepan
- Skillet
