Description
Southern Grits Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining creamy, cheesy grits with savory ground sausage and fluffy scrambled eggs, baked to a golden perfection. Ideal for large gatherings, this casserole offers a warm, satisfying meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Grits Mixture
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked grits
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup butter (cut into pieces, divided)
Sausage
- 1 pound ground sausage
Egg Mixture
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Grits: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan, then stir in 2 cups of uncooked grits. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Stir in 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese and half of the butter until melted and smooth.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound of ground sausage until browned and crumbly, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat and add the cooked sausage to the grits mixture.
- Scramble the Eggs: Whisk 12 large eggs with ½ cup milk in a bowl. Pour the mixture into the skillet and lightly scramble over medium-low heat until just set. Mix the scrambled eggs into the grits and sausage mixture thoroughly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot the top with the remaining butter pieces, sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of Cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and bubbly. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for a more authentic texture if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper depending on the saltiness of the sausage and cheese.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked before serving for convenience.
- Adding chopped green onions or bell peppers can add extra flavor and color.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
