Creamy Garlic Cheddar Grits Bake
Indulge in the rich, velvety texture of Creamy Garlic Cheddar Grits Bake, a delightful twist on a classic Southern dish. Inspired by a beloved recipe from the Cornerstone Inn B&B in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, this version incorporates creamy textures and a robust garlic flavor, making it an ideal side for any breakfast spread. The combination of cream cheese and cheddar cheese creates a luscious, cheesy base that is elevated by the warmth of freshly minced garlic. Perfect for brunch gatherings, this dish serves beautifully alongside eggs, bacon, or fresh vegetables. Experience the comforting flavors of the South with each spoonful of this deliciously baked dish!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Old fashioned grits
1 cup (not quick cooking)
Water
3 1/2 cups
Unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (softened)
Garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Heavy cream
1/4 cup
Tabasco sauce
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring 3 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low and simmer. Stir frequently for about 15 minutes, or until the grits are tender. If necessary, adjust the water amount to achieve a creamy consistency.
3
Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the unsalted butter, minced garlic, and softened cream cheese. Mix well until the butter has melted and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4
Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
5
After it has cooled slightly, mix in the kosher salt, black pepper, heavy cream, Tabasco sauce, and the lightly beaten eggs. Stir thoroughly to combine.
6
Grease a square casserole dish or an 8x8 baking pan. Pour the grits mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
8
Let the grits bake sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, garlicky side dish with your favorite breakfast items.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Garlic Cheddar Grits Bake?
It is a rich and velvety Southern-inspired side dish that features old-fashioned grits combined with garlic, cream cheese, and butter, then baked to a perfect consistency.
What inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a dish served at the Cornerstone Inn B&B in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What type of grits should I use for this bake?
You should use old-fashioned grits; specifically, avoid using quick-cooking varieties for this recipe.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How much water is needed to cook the grits?
The recipe requires 3 1/2 cups of water to be brought to a boil.
How long do the grits need to simmer?
The grits should simmer for about 15 minutes, or until they become tender.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter.
How much garlic is included in the dish?
The dish uses 3 cloves of garlic, which should be minced.
What role does cream cheese play in this recipe?
The cream cheese creates a luscious, cheesy, and creamy base for the grits.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Is there any spice in this grits bake?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce, or more to taste, for a hint of warmth.
How much heavy cream should I add?
You should mix in 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 2 eggs, which should be lightly beaten.
Why must the grits cool before adding the eggs?
The mixture should cool for about 10 minutes to prevent the eggs from scrambling when they are added.
What size baking dish is best?
A square casserole dish or an 8x8 baking pan is recommended.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, you should grease the casserole dish before pouring in the grits mixture.
How long does the dish take to bake?
The bake time is between 55 and 60 minutes in a preheated oven.
How do I know when the grits bake is finished?
It is done when the center is set and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The texture is described as rich, velvety, and creamy.
Can I adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce?
Yes, the 1/2 teaspoon measurement can be adjusted to your personal taste.
Should I serve the dish immediately?
The recipe suggests letting the grits bake sit for a few minutes before serving.
What category of food does this belong to?
This recipe is categorized as a Breakfast dish.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a classic Southern dish.
What are some recommended pairings for this dish?
It pairs beautifully with eggs, bacon, or fresh vegetables.
Is this dish suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for brunch gatherings.
What is the preparation for the butter and cream cheese?
Both the butter and the cream cheese should be softened before being incorporated.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The main flavors are robust garlic and rich, cheesy cheddar and cream cheese.
Should I stir the grits while they simmer?
Yes, you should stir them frequently for the best consistency.