Ultimate Southern Cheese Grits Recipe
Ultimate Southern Cheese Grits Recipe, a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of the South in one savory casserole.
Whether you’re a seasoned grits aficionado or new to this classic Southern staple, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds.
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to form a symphony of flavors.
You’ll start with creamy grits, which are cooked to perfection, tender and full of rich texture. The addition of Cheddar cheese brings a delightful tang and ooey-gooey goodness to every bite. A touch of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce adds a hint of savory heat that complements the cheese beautifully.
The resulting casserole is baked to a golden perfection, with a crispy crust forming on top. The combination of flavors and textures will leave you longing for more, making it a fantastic side dish for any meal.
Serve these grits alongside your favorite main dishes, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or succulent barbecue.
They also pair wonderfully with sautéed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips and Tricks
Perfecting the Grits Texture
Ensure that the grits are cooked thoroughly before adding them to the mixing bowl. They should be tender and creamy, which typically takes about 30 minutes of simmering. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Adding the Egg
When adding the beaten egg to the hot grits, do it slowly while stirring continuously. This helps prevent the egg from scrambling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture in the final dish.
Cheese Distribution
For even cheese distribution, consider mixing half of the grated cheese into the grits while they’re still hot. This allows the cheese to melt evenly throughout. Save the remaining cheese for topping to get a nice, cheesy crust.
Spice Adjustments
Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of hot pepper sauce. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired heat level. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it out once it’s mixed in.
Baking to Perfection
To achieve a perfect crust, uncover the casserole dish during the last 10 minutes of baking. This helps the top layer to become golden and slightly crispy without overcooking the rest of the dish.
Related Recipes
Southern Chicken Fried Steak and Gravy
Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
Cajun Red Beans And Rice
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Ultimate Southern Cheese Grits
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup uncooked grits
- 1 egg well beaten
- 1½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese divided
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoon butter
- fresh ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- hot pepper sauce to taste
- paprika to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Put water and salt in a pot and bring it to a boil on high heat.
- Add grits to the pot and reduce the heat to low.
- Let the grits simmer for about 30 minutes until they become tender.
- Pour the cooked grits into a large mixing bowl.
- Slowly add the beaten egg to the bowl.
- Add 1 1/4 cups of Cheddar cheese, milk, Worcestershire sauce, butter, pepper, garlic powder, and hot sauce to the bowl.
- Mix everything in the bowl thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese on top.
- Lightly sprinkle paprika on the cheese for coloring.
- Cover the casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour until the mixture thickens and the cheese melts.
- Uncover the dish for the last 10 minutes of baking to form a crust on top.
Nutrition
FAQs
Yes. You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
Certainly! While Cheddar cheese adds a classic flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for a unique twist.
Grits and cornmeal are similar but not exactly the same. Grits are made from coarsely ground corn kernels, while cornmeal has a finer texture.
Yes, you can freeze the leftover grits casserole. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it will keep well for up to three months.
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