If ever a dish could wrap comfort, nostalgia, and a little Southern sunshine into one bubbling, cheesy bite, it would be Southern Grits Casserole. This classic is the golden child of brunch tables—rich, savory, and famously flexible. Creamy stone-ground grits, cheesy custard, and hearty sausage all come together in a casserole that feels like home, whether you grew up below the Mason-Dixon or are just happily adopting this tradition. With a crisp golden top and warm, custardy middle, this Southern Grits Casserole is pure joy from the very first scoop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the magic part: you’re dealing with a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one brings its own special charm to the Southern Grits Casserole. The rich cheese, cozy grits, and peppery sausage all play their roles to perfection—and you probably have most of them on hand already!
- Stone-ground grits: Use stone-ground for the creamiest, most authentic texture—quick grits just don’t have the same charm.
- Water: It’s the base for cooking the grits, helping them bloom into tender, creamy goodness.
- Salt: Don’t skip the salt; it brightens all the flavors and brings out the natural corn sweetness in the grits.
- Unsalted butter: Adds silky richness and that unmistakable glossy finish to the casserole base.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp is key! It cuts through the richness and creates the signature gooey-crusty top.
- Whole milk: Keeps everything creamy and gently melds the ingredients together.
- Large eggs (lightly beaten): Eggs set the casserole into that custard-y, dreamlike texture.
- Breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled): A savory, peppery layer—choose your favorite or swap for ham or bacon.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the whole casserole.
- Garlic powder: A pinch of warmth and extra savoriness that makes every bite pop.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): This is for a pretty finish and a pop of freshness—highly recommended!
How to Make Southern Grits Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch (or similar) baking dish. This step may seem simple, but it keeps the finished casserole from sticking—and trust me, you won’t want to waste even a crumb.
Step 2: Cook Those Creamy Grits
In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a rolling boil. Slowly whisk in the stone-ground grits, stirring constantly so you avoid any lumps. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and let the grits cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes. You want them to be thick, smooth, and creamy—resist the urge to rush!
Step 3: Stir in the Richness
Once the grits are cooked and still hot, remove them from the heat. Immediately stir in the butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and whole milk until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Let it cool for a couple of minutes—just enough so the eggs won’t scramble in the next step.
Step 4: Fold in the Eggs
In a separate bowl, lightly beat your eggs. Slowly pour the eggs into the slightly cooled grits mixture, stirring constantly. This helps to gently set the final casserole instead of turning it into scrambled eggs!
Step 5: Sausage and Seasonings Go In
Stir in the crumbled cooked sausage, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until there are no streaks left—this marriage of flavors is key to truly memorable Southern Grits Casserole.
Step 6: Bake and Set
Pour the entire mixture into your greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center feels set and the edges are beautifully golden. That cheesy crust on top? Completely irresistible.
Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let the casserole rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This patience pays off—the squares will cut cleanly, and the flavors settle in together. Top with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Southern Grits Casserole
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the classic move, but don’t be shy about trying a sprinkle of green onions or chives. For a luscious occasion, a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream takes this Southern Grits Casserole to even greater comfort-food heights.
Side Dishes
This casserole loves a partner: pair it with a crisp green salad, a side of fresh fruit, or sautéed greens. For real Southern flair, serve alongside sliced tomatoes or a platter of buttery biscuits. Coffee and sweet tea are never out of place here!
Creative Ways to Present
Individual ramekins are a fun twist, or try cutting the casserole into circles with a biscuit cutter for an upscale brunch look. For potlucks, bake in a vintage casserole dish and present straight from the oven—family style always wins when it comes to Southern Grits Casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Wrap the cooled casserole tightly or transfer squares to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, ready for a quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
Southern Grits Casserole freezes like a champ—slice cooled portions, wrap them individually in foil, then stash in a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months, perfect for busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes, or place the whole casserole (covered) in a 325°F oven until warmed through. To keep that top golden and crisp, uncover for the last few minutes.
FAQs
Can I make Southern Grits Casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble everything but wait to bake. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning to save time and serve a piping-hot breakfast.
What can I substitute for sausage?
Feel free to swap in cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even sautéed vegetables if you’re after a vegetarian version. The casserole is a canvas for whatever savory bits you love most.
Are instant grits okay to use?
Quick or instant grits can work in a pinch, but for true depth and creaminess, stone-ground grits are unmatched. If you must use instant, adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.
Can I make this Southern Grits Casserole gluten-free?
Good news: this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your sausage and cheese selections are free of added gluten-containing ingredients.
How should I reheat individual portions?
Just pop a slice in the microwave for about one minute, or on a sheet pan in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. The casserole returns to its creamy, custardy glory with little fuss.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the first spoonful of homemade Southern Grits Casserole—the creamy center, the golden top, and the burst of savory sausage all in one comforting bake. Whether it’s for a loved-filled brunch or a special holiday spread, don’t hesitate to bring this Southern classic to your table. I just know you’ll love every delicious bite!
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Southern Grits Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Grits Casserole is a comforting and savory dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. Creamy stone-ground grits are mixed with cheddar cheese, sausage, and eggs, then baked to golden perfection. Serve this flavorful casserole with a garnish of fresh parsley for a delightful Southern treat.
Ingredients
For the Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the Casserole:
- 4 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Cook grits: Boil water with salt, whisk in grits, simmer until creamy. Stir in butter, cheese, and milk.
- Prepare casserole: Beat eggs, mix into grits with sausage, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour mixture into baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until set. Rest before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute bacon or ham for the sausage.
- Add chopped jalapeños for a spicy version.
- This casserole reheats well and can be made ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
