Indulge in the heartiness of Southern cuisine with this delectable grits casserole featuring ground sausage and cheese. A comforting breakfast option, especially for those from the South, this dish brings warmth and flavor to your morning routine. Learn how to master this delightful casserole that stays warm and satisfying, ensuring that there’s nothing worse than cold grits for breakfast!
Ingredients
Gather the essentials for a Southern breakfast treat:
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked grits
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup butter, cut into pieces, divided
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tips
Master the art of creating the perfect grits casserole with these essential tips:
- Quality Grits: Opt for high-quality, stone-ground grits for a superior texture and taste.
- Cheese Harmony: Experiment with different Cheddar varieties to customize the flavor profile of the casserole.
- Slow Cooker Alternative: If you want to keep it warm, consider transferring the baked casserole to a slow cooker on a warm setting.
Advices
Navigate your culinary journey with these helpful pieces of advice:
- Sausage Selection: Choose your favorite ground pork sausage to infuse the dish with your preferred flavor.
- Egg Scrambling: Lightly scramble the eggs over medium-low heat for a fluffy and tender texture.
- Seasoning Sensation: Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste preferences for a perfectly seasoned casserole.
Nutritions
Discover the nutritional highlights in this comforting Southern breakfast:
- Protein Boost: Ground pork sausage and eggs provide a protein-packed start to your day.
- Calcium Richness: Cheddar cheese contributes to the dish’s calcium content, supporting bone health.
Directions
Let’s unlock the secrets to creating this Southern breakfast delight step by step:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Grits Perfection: Bring water to a boil, stir in grits, and simmer until absorbed. Mix in 2 cups Cheddar and half of the butter.
- Sausage Infusion: Brown and crumble the ground pork sausage in a skillet, then add it to the grits mixture.
- Egg Integration: Whisk eggs and milk together, scramble lightly, and mix into the grits and sausage combination.
- Baking Brilliance: Pour the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish, dot with remaining butter, sprinkle with 1 cup Cheddar, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, approximately 30 minutes.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different cheese variety? Certainly! Experiment with your favorite cheeses to add a personal touch to the casserole.
Q2: Can I prepare this casserole in advance? Absolutely! Prepare the casserole ahead and refrigerate; bake when ready for a warm and delicious breakfast.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to the casserole for extra flavor? Feel free to customize the dish by adding sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or onions.
Q4: Is it possible to freeze the casserole for later use? Yes, you can freeze individual portions for a quick and convenient breakfast option.
Q5: What other meats can I use instead of pork sausage? Experiment with ground turkey or beef for a different flavor profile that suits your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Savory Grits Casserole with Sausage and Cheese stands as a testament to the rich and comforting flavors of Southern breakfasts. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or keeping it warm in a slow cooker, this dish promises a delightful start to your day.
PrintCasserole with Sausage and Cheese: A Southern Breakfast Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Yield: This recipe typically yields 6-8 servings, depending on portion size.
Description
Experience the comforting embrace of Southern cuisine with this delightful grits casserole showcasing savory ground sausage and gooey cheese. Perfect for breakfast, especially for Southern aficionados, this dish adds a touch of warmth and flavor to your morning ritual. Master the art of crafting this satisfying casserole, ensuring that your breakfast remains hearty and enjoyable – because nothing ruins a morning like cold grits!
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked grits
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup butter, cut into pieces, divided
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly greasing a large baking dish.
Grits Perfection: In a saucepan, bring water to a boil, then stir in the grits and simmer until fully absorbed. Next, mix in 2 cups of Cheddar cheese and half of the butter.
Sausage Infusion: In a skillet, brown and crumble the ground pork sausage until cooked through. Add the cooked sausage to the grits mixture.
Egg Integration: Whisk together eggs and milk, scramble lightly, and then fold them into the grits and sausage mixture.
Baking Brilliance: Pour the grits and sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot the top with the remaining butter, sprinkle with 1 cup of Cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until lightly browned, approximately 30 minutes.
Notes
Quality Grits: Opt for high-quality, stone-ground grits for a superior texture and taste.
Cheese Harmony: Experiment with different Cheddar varieties to customize the flavor profile of the casserole.
Slow Cooker Alternative: If you want to keep it warm, consider transferring the baked casserole to a slow cooker on a warm setting.
- Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour