Our Quaker grits casserole is the perfect brunch item that is a Southern favorite. A hearty dish made with ground sausage, quick grits, cheddar cheese, butter and eggs it has tons of flavor and will bring you back to your childhood.
Jump To
- Ingredient Notes
- What type of cheese should you add to grits?
- What is the difference between Quaker old fashioned grits and quick grits?
- Can grits be made ahead of time?
- Tips for Succcess
- Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe
- Can you freeze leftover casserole?
- Are grits healthier than oatmeal?
- Other brunch recipes you’ll love
Ever had this when you were visiting your Grandmother and now that she is gone you want to make it for your family? Me too. I loved this old fashioned breakfast dish and tweaked my nanas to make it to our list of favorite quick and easy casserole recipes.
Every year we make and look for new Mother’s Day brunch menu ideas. It is fun to add something new each year and throw together dishes are the best. One you can slice and serve easily is even better.
You can of course alter this to add a bit of heat to it as well with some diced chiles, pico de gallo salsa and/or hot sauce. Alternatively you can have these items on the side so everyone can amp it up on their own plate.
Ingredient Notes
A few things will need to be precooked before folding them all together and baking in your casserole dish. The ground sausage of course shouldn’t be added in raw, that isn’t a good idea ever. You just brown in a skillet to get started.
If you make instant grits often you most likely have your own favorite cooking method. Stovetop is of course obvious and a preference of many. Personally I use my Ninja Foodi or Instant Pot to make pressure cooker grits with water or broth.
Salt and pepper are basic seasonings but if there is another that you swear by in this dish then by all means add those in too.
Eggs are a binder of sorts to keep everything together. When they are folded in to make the batter it will fluff up and create your casserole texture which will be tender but firm enough to slice like our other Bisquick Breakfast Casserole.
What type of cheese should you add to grits?
The type of cheese is really up to you. You could mix and match or go with the traditional type listed below, which is cheddar or some swear by gouda. Using a dairy free shredded style works as well if that is needed in your household.
What is the difference between Quaker old fashioned grits and quick grits?
Old fashioned are made from whole, dried corn kernels that have been coarsely ground. They require a longer cooking process. Quick, on the other hand, are made from finely ground cornmeal. They are processed to cook more quickly, typically taking only 5-10 minutes to cook.
Can grits be made ahead of time?
I get this question about many of my holiday dishes. It makes sense to try and prep as much as possible since there may be a lot to do on those special days. You can make these ahead of time if needed. Personally I don’t do this.
If you want to you’d need to make, cool them, cover in a bowl and store in fridge for up to 2 days. When ready break them up, pour hot water in until they loosen up, and heat again over medium heat. Seems like a lot of extra work to me, but possible….
Tips for Succcess
If you do want to make this ahead of time I suggest follow all of the steps to prepare it in the dish. Do not bake! Just cool ingredients, cover with plastic wrap, put in the fridge the night before to help with prep. The next day bring to room temperature and bake as directed below.
Either way after you remove the dish, set on a cooling rack for 5 minutes before slicing so it stays together. If you need a bit more time to complete other dishes then just put a few paper towels on top with foil over that.
Why? If you just add foil the steam will get trapped and make the top a bit wet and slimy. With the addition of paper towels that will absorb the steam and keep it warm without the ick that may build up with moisture. Just a tip.
Note that I have not used stone ground grits for this so I don’t know how it affects the texture or taste. If you swear by that style then go for it and please let me know what you think below.
Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cup water, or broth
- 1 cup quick grits
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 lbs sausage, ground, cooked and drained
- 2 cup cheese, shredded cheddar
- 3 large eggs
- 1.5 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 pinch pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray 9×13" baking dish with non stick spray.
- Put your water or broth into a small saucepan with 1/2 tsp salt and bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in grits and reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes stirring a few times throughout.
- Brown ground sausage in a pan, drain when it is no longer pink and set aside. Beat eggs and milk in a bowl and set aside
- In a large bowl combine cooked grits and sausage +1.5 c of cheese. Fold together and then add your egg/milk mixture and mix again. Melt butter and pour that in with a little pepper and remaining salt.
- Pour into your 9×13 prepared pan and bake uncovered for about 1 hour or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove and set on a cooling rack for 5 minutes before slicing so it stays together.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you freeze leftover casserole?
Once it is cooled in the pan you can cover it with foil and freeze. To reheat allow to come to room temperature, slice into squares, and microwave in smaller pieces for the best results. May take 1 minute to warm through.
Are grits healthier than oatmeal?
No. It is actually small pieces of corn kernels with the germ and bran removed. Those are what has fiber and nutrition. Whole rolled oats prepared as Instant Pot oatmeal is a healthier choice.
Other brunch recipes you’ll love
Try out Jiffy cream corn casserole, that one is cheesy too and always a huge hit with kids and adults alike. My kids love this cinnamon roll breakfast casserole too. Did your mom or Grandmother make this slightly different and we should hear all about it? Let us know below so we can include your “secret ingredient” into the mix next go around. 😉
