Savory Cheddar Bacon Grits Bake
Indulge in this Savory Cheddar Bacon Grits Bake, a delectable addition to your breakfast or brunch table that is sure to please a crowd. This creamy, cheesy dish combines the comforting flavors of grits with crispy bacon and melty cheese. Preparing it the night before not only enhances the flavors but also makes serving a breeze. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to enjoy, and watch as everyone devours seconds. Perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunches, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
3 slices (cooked and crumbled)
water
4 cups (boiled)
quick-cooking grits
1 cup (dry)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Velveeta cheese
1/2 cup (cubed)
butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
hot sauce
1 dash (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
3
Once boiling, gradually stir in 1 cup of quick-cooking grits and 1 teaspoon of salt.
4
Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent lumps.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and add in the shredded cheddar cheese, cubed Velveeta cheese, crumbled bacon, butter, garlic powder, black pepper, and hot sauce. Stir the mixture until the cheeses and butter are fully melted and combined.
6
Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then gently stir in the slightly beaten eggs until fully incorporated.
7
Pour the cheesy grits mixture into an ungreased 1.5 quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
8
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes or until set and lightly golden on top.
9
Optionally, you may cover the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If doing so, increase the baking time slightly if baking from the fridge.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
11g
Carbs
5.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cheddar Bacon Grits Bake?
It is a creamy, cheesy breakfast or brunch casserole featuring grits, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar and Velveeta cheese.
What type of grits does the recipe call for?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of quick-cooking grits.
How much water is used for the grits?
You will need 4 cups of water brought to a boil.
What types of cheese are used?
This recipe uses 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of cubed Velveeta cheese.
How much bacon is included?
The recipe calls for 3 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can cover and refrigerate the casserole for up to 24 hours before baking.
At what temperature should I bake the grits?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the baking process take?
It typically takes approximately 50 minutes or until the top is set and lightly golden.
What size casserole dish should I use?
Use an ungreased 1.5 quart casserole dish.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
There are 2 slightly beaten eggs incorporated into the mixture.
When should I add the eggs to the mixture?
Allow the grits and cheese mixture to cool for a few minutes before gently stirring in the eggs to prevent them from scrambling.
What seasonings are used in this grits bake?
The seasoning includes salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and a dash of hot sauce.
Is the casserole dish greased?
No, the recipe instructions specify using an ungreased casserole dish.
How long should the grits simmer?
Simmer the grits uncovered for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides about 5.6g of protein.
What is the fat content?
There are 10g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are per serving?
Each serving contains 11g of carbohydrates.
Is there a specific preparation for the bacon?
The bacon should be cooked and crumbled before being added to the grits mixture.
Can I adjust the baking time if baking from the fridge?
Yes, if you have refrigerated the casserole, you should increase the baking time slightly.
Is the hot sauce mandatory?
No, the hot sauce is listed as optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your preference.
How do I prevent lumps in the grits?
Gradually stir the grits into the boiling water and continue stirring occasionally while they simmer.
What makes this dish savory?
The combination of bacon, sharp cheddar, Velveeta, garlic powder, and black pepper gives it a rich savory flavor profile.
Can this be served for dinner?
While intended for breakfast or brunch, its savory profile makes it an excellent side dish for dinner.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The dish has a creamy and cheesy consistency that sets into a firm casserole during the baking process.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt added during the boiling phase.
What is the preparation for the Velveeta cheese?
The Velveeta cheese should be cubed to ensure it melts evenly and quickly into the grits.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of added salt to balance the flavor.
What is the visual indicator that the bake is finished?
The casserole should be set and the top should appear lightly golden brown.