Creamy Cheddar Grits Bake
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Creamy Cheddar Grits Bake, a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side for dinner. This casserole combines smooth, buttery grits with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, creating a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with various entrees. It's easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a fantastic addition to any gathering. Top it off with fresh parsley for a pop of color!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
4 cups (none)
butter
1/4 cup (cut into pieces)
quick-cooking grits
1 cup (uncooked)
large egg
1 (lightly beaten)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
parsley sprig
to garnish (fresh)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, bring the milk to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, watching closely to prevent it from scorching.
2
Once the milk is boiling, gradually whisk in the butter and uncooked grits until well combined.
3
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer, whisking constantly for about 5-7 minutes, or until the grits become thick and creamy.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
5
In a separate bowl, mix the lightly beaten egg with salt, pepper, and 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese. Stir this mixture into the grits until fully incorporated.
6
Pour the combined mixture into a lightly greased 11 x 7 inch baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer.
7
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the grits mixture.
8
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center.
9
Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Cheddar Grits Bake?
It is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines smooth, buttery grits with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a side dish.
What type of grits should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of uncooked quick-cooking grits.
How much milk is needed?
You will need 4 cups of milk to achieve the desired creamy texture.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the grits cook on the stove?
The grits should simmer and be whisked for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are thick and creamy.
What size baking dish is required?
A lightly greased 11 x 7 inch baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
How long does the dish take to bake?
The bake time is approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set.
What kind of cheese is mixed into the grits?
Two cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese are stirred directly into the grits mixture.
Is there a topping for the grits bake?
Yes, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top before baking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, which is great for gatherings.
What should I use for a garnish?
Fresh parsley sprigs are suggested as a garnish for a pop of color.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the recipe specifies using a lightly greased baking dish.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe requires one large egg, which should be lightly beaten.
What is the purpose of the egg?
The egg helps bind the ingredients together and ensures the casserole sets properly during baking.
How much butter is included?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of butter, cut into pieces.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Why must the milk be watched closely?
It should be watched closely to prevent it from scorching while bringing it to a boil.
When should I add the cheddar cheese?
The cheddar cheese is mixed with the beaten egg, salt, and pepper, and then stirred into the grits after they have cooled slightly.
Should the baking dish be covered in the oven?
Yes, the dish should be covered with aluminum foil during the baking process.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The finished dish has a rich, creamy, and smooth texture with a cheesy finish.
Is this a Southern dish?
Yes, it is tagged as Southern cuisine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this Creamy Cheddar Grits Bake.
Can this be served for dinner?
Absolutely, while it is great for breakfast or brunch, it also makes an excellent side dish for dinner.
How do I know the grits are done on the stove?
They are ready when the mixture becomes thick and creamy after about 5-7 minutes of simmering.
Do I whisk the grits continuously?
Yes, the instructions recommend whisking constantly while the grits simmer on low heat.
When is the Parmesan added?
The Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top of the grits mixture after it has been poured into the baking dish.
How long should it cool before serving?
It should cool for a few minutes after being removed from the oven to allow it to firm up.
Can I use regular grits instead of quick-cooking?
The recipe specifies quick-cooking grits; using regular grits would require a much longer stovetop cooking time.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as comfort food due to its rich cheese and buttery grit base.