Savory Corn & Cheese Grits Bake
Indulge in the creamy delight of this Savory Corn & Cheese Grits Bake, a comforting dish that combines the richness of whole milk and sharp cheddar cheese with the sweet crunch of corn and the delicate flavor of scallions. Perfect for a cozy lunch or a fulfilling snack, this casserole is baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal side dish for any meal or a satisfying standalone treat. With its delightful texture and flavor, this recipe is sure to become a staple at your gatherings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole milk
4 cups (none)
Quick-cooking grits
1 cup (none)
Canned corn
15.25 ounces (drained)
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1.25 cups (divided)
Scallions
6 (chopped)
Large egg
1 (beaten)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a shallow 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray.
2
In a 3-quart saucepan, bring the whole milk to a gentle boil over medium heat.
3
Once boiling, slowly whisk in the quick-cooking grits. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the drained corn, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, beaten egg, salt, dried thyme, and freshly ground pepper until well combined.
5
Pour the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6
Bake the casserole uncovered for 15 minutes. Then, remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
7
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is lightly golden.
8
Once done, let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up slightly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Corn & Cheese Grits Bake?
It is a creamy, savory casserole that combines whole milk, sharp cheddar cheese, corn, and quick-cooking grits into a comforting dish.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How much milk is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 cups of whole milk.
What type of grits should I buy?
You should use 1 cup of quick-cooking grits for this bake.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A shallow 2-quart baking dish is the best size for this recipe.
How do I prepare the canned corn?
You should use one 15.25-ounce can of corn and ensure it is fully drained before adding it to the mixture.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1.25 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided.
How many scallions are needed?
You will need 6 scallions, which should be chopped before use.
Is there an egg in this recipe?
Yes, one large egg, beaten, is used to help set the casserole.
How much salt is added?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
How much pepper is included?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
How long should the grits simmer?
The grits should simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture has thickened.
What size saucepan should I use?
A 3-quart saucepan is recommended for boiling the milk and cooking the grits.
Should the grits be boiled over high heat?
No, bring the milk to a gentle boil over medium heat, then simmer the grits on low heat.
When do I mix in the cheese and corn?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before mixing in the corn, cheese, scallions, egg, and spices.
How much cheese goes into the initial grits mixture?
Mix 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the saucepan with the other ingredients.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly coat the baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Is the casserole baked covered?
No, the casserole should be baked uncovered.
What is the first baking step?
Bake the casserole for 15 minutes before adding the final cheese topping.
When is the remaining cheese added?
After the first 15 minutes of baking, remove the dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese on top.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 30 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The casserole is done when it is set and the top is lightly golden.
Why should the dish stand for 10 minutes after baking?
Letting it stand allows the mixture to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it is an ideal side dish for any meal or can be served as a standalone snack.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is savory and rich, featuring sharp cheddar, sweet corn, and delicate scallions.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as a comforting and fulfilling dish.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies dried thyme, you can substitute fresh thyme, though the measurement may vary.
Is whole milk necessary?
Whole milk provides the richness intended for this creamy dish.
What is the texture of the finished bake?
The bake has a creamy texture with a sweet crunch from the corn and a slightly firm set.