Are you looking for a comforting and hearty casserole recipe that will warm you up on a cold day? Look no further than the classic cheese grits casserole recipe. This dish combines the creamy texture of grits with the rich flavor of melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to enjoy a cozy meal at home, this cheese grits casserole recipe is sure to impress.
For those unfamiliar with grits, they are a staple in Southern cuisine and are made from ground corn. They have a creamy, porridge-like consistency and are often served as a breakfast dish. However, the cheese grits casserole takes this simple ingredient and transforms it into a savory, comforting casserole that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect cheese grits casserole:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of quick-cooking grits
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of diced onions
- 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add the grits and stir constantly for about 5 minutes, or until the grits are cooked and have reached your desired consistency.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to combine.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and pour the grits mixture into the dish.
- Top the grits with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and melted butter together until well combined. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the cheese grits casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious cheese grits casserole as a comforting meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Whether you’re a fan of Southern cuisine or just looking for a new twist on a classic dish, the cheese grits casserole recipe is a must-try. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and simple ingredients, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
