Traditional Thanksgiving side dishes are a must but if you are looking for a little something new, well, this recipe is for you! A couple of years ago, I was on a search for a different dish to serve and finally, after several tries, settle on this golden pan of goodness. My whole family loves grits, so combining them with milk, cheese then baking until golden brown seemed like the obvious thing to do and friends, I was right, everyone loved ’em.
This recipe is so easy and can be made a few hours ahead of time and then baked before dinner. On Thanksgiving when it’s time to serve the big bird, make sure you scoop up a big helping of these cheese grits and drizzle on some gravy.
This is a recipe that’s super easy to change up as well. I love to switch up the cheese and add more spice for Smoked Gouda Cheese Grits Casserole.
Need some inspiration on what to serve with Cheese Grits? Try these recipes:
- Grilled Sausage With Peppers And Onions
- Balsamic Chicken Thighs
- Smoked Pulled Pork
- Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 3 cups chicken stock (I use low sodium or vegetable stock can be substituted)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- dash of cayenne pepper
- 2 cups quick cooking grits
- 2 cups (16oz) shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup butter - melted and cooled
- 3 eggs
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 11x7 pan with nonstick spray.
- Heat water, stock and milk in a large pot on medium - bring to a low boil. Add salt, pepper, garlic and cayenne. Stir.
- Slowly pour grits into liquid and stir. Turn heat down to low. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring mixture to ensure grits do not stick or clump.
- Remove grits from burner and let cool for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add butter, cheese and eggs mixing well to incorporate all ingredients. Pour into prepared casserole dish.
- Bake for 50 minutes until golden brown.
- after 40 minutes, you can sprinkle on addition cheese - I use Parmesean or cheddar.
- Let casserole rest for 10 minutes then serve.
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How would this be if you took it to a pot luck supper? Would it be good if it gets cold?
It’s great for a cover dish supper. It’s good warm to room temp but not cold. I hope this helps, Cathy.
XO,
~Donya
Do you think you could freeze this?
Hey Monica.
I think I would freeze beautifully if you bake it until about 80% done. Does that make sense? They way, just let it thaw in your fridge, then heat it up and continue to bake until the top is golden brown. I hope this helps! Let me know how things turn out.
XO,
~Donya
I like the idea of having it for breakfast – something a little different, and nice and filling.
I hope you enjoy this recipe. My family loves it for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
xo,
~Donya
I love cheesy grits and this recipe looks awesome! Can't wait to try it out!
Anne, let me know how you like 'em!
xo,
~Donya
Well, I'm a little late for Thanksgiving but really hope you liked the grits. Happy New Year Alita!
Good Lordyy this looks so delish! Cheese grits are so yummy anyway! The other ingredients just enhance the flavors. I wonder if adding shrimp and Italian diced tomatoes would give it a Shrimp and Grits taste!?! Hmmm have to try it!! Angel from Alabama
Angel, I love your ideas! Sending a big hug to Alabama from NC!
xo,
~Donya
Good Lordyy this looks so darn good! Cheese grits are so yummy anyway and the other flavors will just enhance it. I wonder what some shrimp with Italian diced tomatoes would taste like mixed it for a Shrimp and Grits twist? Hmmm might try that lol! Angel from Alabama
Hey Angel! I love your idea of adding shrimp and some veggies – sounds yummy. Let me know if you give it a try!
Happy New Year
I have made this several times and it is wonderful, everyone loves it. Made it first time for Christmas Breakfast with our kids, it turned out great.
Lynette,
I love that you served this recipe for breakfast. It's good any time of day, right?
Happy New Year!
These look great, Donya, thank you! My mom is coming for Thanksgiving, and she loves her some grits! It will be a wonderful surprise for her! 🙂
Hey Joy! i hope you mom liked the grits casserole. Happy New Year friend!
This recipe makes me think of mac and cheese. I like the variation on the grits. Cannot wait to try this recipe this weekend. Thank you much.
Thanks for the shot out! Hope you liked the recipe!