Savory Sausage and Cheesy Grits Bake
Breakfast just got a whole lot better with this Savory Sausage and Cheesy Grits Bake! This hearty casserole combines creamy grits, savory sausage, and smooth, melted cheddar cheese to create the ultimate comfort food. With a touch of heat from green chilies and Tabasco sauce, this dish brings a deliciously spicy kick that elevates its rich flavors. Perfect for a family brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast, this casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it as convenient as it is tasty.
6
Servings
608 kcal
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked grits
1 cup (none)
bulk breakfast sausage
1 lb (cooked and crumbled)
onion
1 cup (diced)
green chilies
2 cans (4.5 ounces each) (drained and chopped)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Tabasco sauce
10 drops (none)
sweet paprika
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C).
2
Cook the grits in 4 cups of salted water following the package instructions until done.
3
In a large skillet, sauté the sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Add the diced onion and continue to sauté until the onion is translucent.
4
Drain the excess grease from the sausage and onion mixture.
5
In a large bowl, combine the cooked grits with the green chilies, melted butter, slightly beaten eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and Tabasco sauce. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
6
Add the cooked sausage and onions to the grits mixture, stirring until well combined.
7
Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch casserole dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
8
Garnish with sweet paprika and chopped fresh parsley.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden.
10
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this casserole fresh, or refrigerate for up to two days for later use, reheating as needed.
Nutrition Information
42.7 g
Fat
35 g
Carbs
25 g
Protein
867 mg
Sodium
145 mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Sausage and Cheesy Grits Bake?
It is a hearty breakfast casserole that combines creamy grits, savory sausage, and melted cheddar cheese with a spicy kick from green chilies and Tabasco sauce.
What type of sausage is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of bulk breakfast sausage, which should be cooked and crumbled before being added to the casserole.
Can I use instant grits for this bake?
While the recipe specifies 1 cup of uncooked grits cooked in 4 cups of water, you can use instant grits if needed, though traditional grits often provide a better texture for baking.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C) before baking the casserole.
How long should the casserole bake?
The casserole should bake for approximately 1 hour or until it is set and the top is golden.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for convenience.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a delicious spicy kick thanks to 2 cans of green chilies and 10 drops of Tabasco sauce.
What size casserole dish is needed?
You will need a 9x13-inch casserole dish for this recipe.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to two days and reheated as needed.
Can I freeze this grits bake?
Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly and can be stored in the freezer for longer-term meal planning.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 608 kcal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Grits are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the labels on your sausage and other processed ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
Yes, while cheddar is recommended, you can use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 25 grams of protein per serving.
Should I drain the sausage grease?
Yes, it is important to drain the excess grease from the sausage and onion mixture before adding it to the grits.
What are the garnish options?
The recipe suggests garnishing with 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 slightly beaten eggs.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use water or milk to cook the grits?
The recipe specifically instructs cooking the grits in 4 cups of salted water.
Do I need to cook the onion before adding it to the grits?
Yes, the 1 cup of diced onion should be sautéed with the sausage until it is translucent.
Can I omit the Tabasco sauce?
Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor without the heat, you can omit the Tabasco sauce.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of melted butter.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 42.7 grams of fat.
How much sodium is in this recipe?
There is 867 mg of sodium per serving.
Can I use stone-ground grits?
Yes, you can use stone-ground grits, but be aware they take longer to cook on the stovetop before they are ready for the casserole.
What should I serve with this casserole?
This hearty dish pairs well with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or crusty bread.
Is the cheese mixed in or just put on top?
The 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese are mixed directly into the grits along with the other ingredients.
How do I know the bake is set?
The bake is set when it no longer jiggles in the center and the edges are firm and slightly golden.
Can I add other vegetables to this bake?
Yes, feel free to add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.