Name: Southern Grits Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup quick-cooking grits; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup milk; 4 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; 2 green onions, sliced

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comforting breakfast or brunch dish, let me introduce you to Southern Grits Casserole. This creamy, cheesy bake brings together everything people love about Southern home cooking: rich and buttery grits, vibrant sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a kiss of green onion for extra flair. Whether you’re making it for a laid-back weekend with the family or bringing it to a potluck, this recipe delivers pure, heartwarming satisfaction in every single bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Southern Grits Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of classic staples combine to form layers of incredible flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a specific role, making the Southern Grits Casserole more than just the sum of its parts—it’s a symphony of savory, creamy indulgence!

Water: Forms the essential base for perfectly creamy grits—don’t skip the boiling step!
Salt: Just a teaspoon seasons every layer so your casserole doesn’t taste flat.
Quick-cooking grits: They’re the grainy, comforting heart of this dish and cook up fast for those busy mornings.
Unsalted butter: Adds irresistible richness and creates the silky texture you crave in grits.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Use it generously for loads of melty, bold flavor (the sharper, the better!).
Milk: Adds a subtle creamy smoothness to bind everything together.
Large eggs: Lightly beaten eggs set the casserole while adding fluffiness and structure.
Black pepper: A gentle kick of warmth to balance out the cheese and eggs.
Garlic powder: Brings background savoriness without overpowering the other flavors.
Cooked bacon, crumbled: Smoky, salty, and just crunchy enough—bacon is an absolute must for extra dimension.
Green onions, sliced: Fresh, peppery garnish that wakes up every serving with color and zing.

How to Make Southern Grits Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures that nothing sticks and clean-up is a breeze. Just a quick swipe of butter or nonstick spray does the trick—no stress!

Step 2: Cook the Grits

Bring 4 cups of water and the salt to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in the quick-cooking grits, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re thickened and creamy. You’ll know they’re ready when they gently pull away from the sides of the pan.

Step 3: Add Richness and Flavor

Turn off the heat and stir in the butter, 1 1/2 cups of the sharp cheddar, milk, eggs, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is smooth and the cheese has melted beautifully into the grits. This step is where the dish really starts to smell tantalizing!

Step 4: Fold in the Bacon

Gently fold in half of the crumbled bacon. This ensures bacon’s smoky savoriness is woven through the creamy foundation, so every scoop delivers some of that crave-worthy crunch and taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the cheesy grits mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Scatter the remaining shredded cheddar and bacon on top—you’ll get fabulous golden meltiness and crispy bacon in every bite.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the center is set and the top turns gorgeously golden and bubbly. Your kitchen will be filled with the kinds of aromas that have everyone drifting in, ready for breakfast.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes out of the oven. This short wait helps it set up for easy slicing. Just before serving, sprinkle with sliced green onions to add fresh color and a burst of flavor.

How to Serve Southern Grits Casserole

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, green onions are traditional and offer bright color, but don’t stop there! A little extra cracked black pepper or a scattering of chives or fresh parsley makes each serving look as inviting as it tastes. For a bit of heat, try a few shakes of hot sauce or a dash of paprika on top right before serving.

Side Dishes

Southern Grits Casserole is a hearty main, but it loves a good sidekick. Serve alongside scrambled eggs for an epic breakfast spread, or pair it with fresh fruit salad for lightness. For brunch, a crisp green salad or sautéed greens add a lovely counterpoint to the casserole’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a potluck or party, cut the casserole into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with picks for fun, Southern-style appetizers. For individual servings, scoop portions into ramekins and top each with their own green onion flourish. You could even serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of spicy jalapeños if your guests like a little adventure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Southern Grits Casserole keeps incredibly well! After the casserole cools, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices into airtight containers. It’ll last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for make-ahead breakfasts throughout the week.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this casserole for longer storage. Wrap tightly (or use freezer-safe containers), label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so it stays moist and delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for a quick breakfast, or cover the whole casserole dish with foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of milk before reheating to help bring back that rich creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make Southern Grits Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the whole casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply bake as directed and enjoy a hot, homemade breakfast with minimal effort.

Is Southern Grits Casserole gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use grits that are clearly labeled gluten-free. Most corn-based grits are safe, but always double-check packaging to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I use regular grits instead of quick-cooking?

You can substitute regular grits, but keep in mind they’ll take longer to cook and may need a bit more liquid. Just cook until thickened before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

What can I add for more flavor or heat?

For a spicier spin, stir a little cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño into your grits mixture, or swap sharp cheddar with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.

Can I make Southern Grits Casserole without bacon?

Definitely! You can skip the bacon for a meatless casserole, or swap in cooked breakfast sausage, ham, or sautéed mushrooms for a whole new flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving true Southern comfort, this Southern Grits Casserole could easily become your new go-to dish. Easy, customizable, and always crowd-pleasing, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Give it a try and let its cozy flavors brighten up any morning.

Southern Grits Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Southern Grits Casserole is a comforting and cheesy breakfast or side dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Creamy grits are mixed with eggs, cheese, and bacon, then baked until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Grits:

4 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick-cooking grits
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk

For the Casserole:

4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the grits: In a saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Whisk in grits, cook until thickened, then stir in butter, 1 1/2 cups cheese, milk, eggs, pepper, and garlic powder. Fold in half of the bacon.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the baking dish, top with remaining cheese and bacon. Bake until set and golden.
Finish and serve: Let rest, then sprinkle with green onions before serving.