Southern Comfort Grits Bake
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of our Southern Comfort Grits Bake, a delightful casserole that's perfect for any occasion. This hearty dish combines the beloved flavors of grits with a savory blend of onion, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese, all brought together in a fluffy, baked delight. Ideal as a comforting side for dinner, a hearty addition to your brunch table, or a satisfying breakfast option, this casserole resonates with the warmth of Southern hospitality. Easy to whip up, it will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
3 cups (None)
milk
2 cups (None)
Knorr leek soup mix
1 envelope (None)
quick-cooking grits
1 1/4 cups (None)
butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
onion
1/4 cup (Chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (Minced)
eggs
2 large (Beaten)
sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (Shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Spray a 1.5-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
3
In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and 2 cups of milk to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium, add 1 envelope of Knorr leek soup mix, and whisk until fully blended.
5
Gradually pour in 1 1/4 cups of quick-cooking grits, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to avoid lumps, until the mixture is smooth.
6
Cook and stir the grits for about 5 minutes, or until they become thick and creamy.
7
Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside.
8
In a small skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat, then add 1/4 cup of chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.
9
Sauté the onion and garlic for 3-5 minutes, or until they are softened and aromatic.
10
Add the onion-garlic mixture to the grits and stir well to combine.
11
In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs and then gently fold the beaten eggs and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the grits mixture, stirring until evenly incorporated.
12
Carefully transfer the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the casserole is set and lightly golden.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
31g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Comfort Grits Bake?
Southern Comfort Grits Bake is a savory, creamy casserole featuring grits, sharp cheddar cheese, and leek soup mix, often served as a side or breakfast dish.
How long does it take to bake this dish?
The casserole should be baked in a preheated oven for approximately 1 hour until it is set and lightly golden.
What type of grits should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 1/4 cups of quick-cooking grits.
Can I use regular grits instead of quick-cooking?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the stovetop cooking time according to the package directions before proceeding with the bake.
What size baking dish is required?
A 1.5-quart baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
What is the oven temperature for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the grits.
How many calories are in a serving of this bake?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
What are the primary flavorings in the Southern Comfort Grits Bake?
The dish is flavored with Knorr leek soup mix, sautéed onions, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs, which should be beaten before being folded into the mixture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the grits mixture and place it in the baking dish, then refrigerate and bake it when you are ready to serve.
What is the fat content of this dish?
One serving contains approximately 25g of fat.
How do I prevent lumps in my grits?
Gradually pour the grits into the boiling water and milk while stirring continuously with a wooden spoon.
Is there a specific brand of soup mix recommended?
The recipe recommends using one envelope of Knorr leek soup mix for the best flavor.
Do I need to sauté the onions and garlic?
Yes, sauté the onion and garlic in butter for 3-5 minutes until they are softened and aromatic before adding them to the grits.
How much cheese is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Can I use water instead of milk?
The recipe uses a combination of 3 cups of water and 2 cups of milk to achieve a creamy texture.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 11g of protein.
Is this dish suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, its hearty and savory nature makes it a perfect addition to a Southern-style brunch table.
How much butter is used in the Southern Comfort Grits Bake?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of butter, which is melted to sauté the aromatics.
Can I add meat like bacon or sausage to this bake?
Yes, cooked crumbled bacon or sausage would be a delicious addition to the cheese and egg mixture.
What texture should the grits have before baking?
They should be cooked on the stove for about 5 minutes until they are thick and creamy before being mixed with other ingredients.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Spray the 1.5-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
There are 31g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I substitute the sharp cheddar with another cheese?
Yes, while sharp cheddar is recommended, you could use Gruyere or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
The casserole is done when it is set in the middle and the top is lightly golden.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh minced garlic is preferred for the best aroma, but 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
How many cloves of garlic are in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is the Southern Comfort Grits Bake spicy?
No, it is a savory and mild dish, though you could add cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer heat.
Can leftovers be stored and reheated?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 9 ingredients required to make this grits bake.