Gourmet Bacon Cheese Grits Bake
This delightful dish, inspired by a classic recipe shared by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, has become a cherished favorite in my family, evoking warmth and nostalgia at every bite. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or as a scrumptious side dish to pair with shrimp, ham, pork chops, chicken, or any protein of your choice, this dish combines the creamy texture of grits with the rich flavors of bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. Although the original processed soft cheese blend may be hard to find, inventive substitutions like crumbled crispy bacon mixed into a cheese spread can elevate this dish to new heights. Indulge in this savory, cheesy goodness and make it a part of your culinary repertoire!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Grits
1 cup (Cook according to package instructions)
Butter
1/2 cup (Softened)
Bacon Cheese Spread
6 ounces (Use any preferred brand)
Eggs
3 (Beaten)
Milk
2/3 cup (Regular or whole milk preferred)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
Prepare the grits according to the package instructions until creamy and tender.
3
While the grits are still hot, stir in the softened butter and the bacon cheese spread until thoroughly combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
4
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy, then incorporate the milk and continue beating until well mixed.
5
Once the grits have cooled slightly, fold the egg mixture into the grits, ensuring everything is well blended.
6
Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with non-stick spray and pour the grits mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese generously over the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
9
If desired, garnish with freshly cooked, crumbled bacon for an added crunch and flavor before serving.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
17g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gourmet Bacon Cheese Grits Bake?
It is a savory casserole dish that combines creamy grits with bacon cheese spread, butter, and eggs, topped with sharp cheddar cheese.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a classic dish shared by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
Can this dish be served for breakfast?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a hearty breakfast.
What proteins pair well with these grits?
It pairs excellently with shrimp, ham, pork chops, or chicken.
What should I do if I cannot find bacon cheese spread?
You can substitute it by mixing crumbled crispy bacon into a standard cheese spread.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 160 degrees Celsius.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 beaten eggs.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 2-quart casserole dish is required for this bake.
How long does the dish need to bake?
It should bake for 30 to 45 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
One-half cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese is used for the topping.
How much butter is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one-half cup of softened butter.
Is milk required for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses two-thirds cup of milk, preferably regular or whole milk.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains about 7.5 grams of protein.
What is the fat content?
The dish contains 20 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 17 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the grits be cooked before baking?
Yes, the grits should be prepared according to package instructions until creamy before mixing other ingredients.
How should the eggs be prepared?
The eggs should be beaten until frothy and then mixed with milk.
Can I add a garnish to the finished dish?
Yes, you can garnish with freshly cooked, crumbled bacon for added crunch.
Is this considered Southern cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as a Southern cuisine dish.
Does the dish need to be greased?
Yes, the casserole dish should be greased with non-stick spray.
When should I add the butter and cheese spread?
Stir them into the grits while they are still hot.
When do I fold in the egg mixture?
Fold the egg mixture into the grits once they have cooled slightly.
How many cups of grits are used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of grits.
What amount of bacon cheese spread is required?
The recipe specifies 6 ounces of bacon cheese spread.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family favorite and comfort food.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The dish has a creamy texture from the grits and melted cheese.
Can I use any brand of cheese spread?
Yes, you can use any preferred brand of bacon cheese spread.
Is the cheese topping supposed to be brown?
The cheese should be baked until it is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The fiber content for this recipe is not specified.