Creamy Cheddar & Parmesan Grits Bake
Indulge in a decadent breakfast treat with this Creamy Cheddar & Parmesan Grits Bake. Featuring White Lily Quick-Cooking Grits, known for their coarser texture and intense corn flavor due to being dry-milled, this casserole is a delightful twist on a classic southern dish. Whipped up with a harmonious blend of creamy cheeses, hearty eggs, and a hint of garlic, each bite offers a velvety richness that pairs perfectly with a hint of spicy hot sauce. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a comforting family breakfast, this dish can be prepared in advance and baked to golden perfection.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
white lily quick-cooking grits
1 cup (dry)
water
4 1/2 cups (boiled)
margarine or butter
1/4 cup (melted)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
milk or cream
1/2 cup (liquid)
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9x13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
2
In a large pot, bring 4.5 cups of water along with 1/4 cup of margarine or butter to a rolling boil.
3
Once boiling, stir in the grits, then return to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for about 9 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
4
Allow the grits to cool slightly before mixing in the minced garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, milk or cream, lightly beaten eggs, salt, and hot sauce if desired.
5
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the center is firm and the top is lightly golden.
6
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Cheddar & Parmesan Grits Bake?
It is a decadent breakfast casserole that combines White Lily Quick-Cooking Grits with a blend of cheeses, eggs, and garlic for a velvety Southern treat.
What type of grits should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends White Lily Quick-Cooking Grits because they are dry-milled, providing a coarser texture and intense corn flavor.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting the assembly.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x13 inch casserole dish is recommended for this bake.
How much water is needed to cook the grits?
You will need 4.5 cups of water to properly boil and cook the grits.
Can I use butter or margarine?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/4 cup of margarine or butter.
How long should the grits simmer?
Once the grits are stirred into the boiling water, cover and simmer for 9 to 12 minutes.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
The grits should be simmered on medium-low heat.
Why do I need to let the grits cool slightly before adding other ingredients?
Cooling the grits slightly helps prevent the beaten eggs from scrambling immediately upon contact with the hot mixture.
How much cheddar cheese is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
What type of parmesan is used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Can I use cream instead of milk?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of milk or 1/2 cup of cream.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 2 large eggs, which should be lightly beaten before adding them to the grits.
Is hot sauce a required ingredient?
No, the 1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce is optional and can be used for a hint of spicy richness.
How much garlic is recommended?
Use 1 minced garlic clove to season the mixture.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The grits bake should be in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes.
How do I know when the grits bake is finished cooking?
The bake is done when the center is firm and the top has turned a light golden color.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.
What are some suggested garnishes?
You can garnish the finished dish with additional cheese or fresh herbs.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance and then baked when you are ready to serve.
Is this dish suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, it is perfect for brunch gatherings or as a comforting family breakfast.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly spray the 9x13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
Should I stir the grits while they simmer?
Yes, you should stir them occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth texture.
What makes the texture of these grits different?
The dry-milling process of the White Lily grits provides a coarser, heartier texture compared to other varieties.
Is this a southern style recipe?
Yes, it is described as a delightful twist on a classic southern dish.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It features a harmonious blend of creamy cheeses, hearty eggs, garlic, and savory corn.
How many total ingredients are used?
The recipe uses 10 main ingredients including water and salt.
What consistency should the grits reach before mixing in the other ingredients?
They should be simmered until thickened before cooling slightly and adding the cheeses and eggs.
Can this be considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.