Baked Cheese Grits

You know those days when you just need a big ol’ hug in a bowl? Meet Baked Cheese Grits. This is your comfort food superhero — cheesy, warm, and absolutely ready to save your day. Whether you’re nursing a hangover, feeding a crowd, or just wanting something that feels like the kitchen equivalent of a fuzzy blanket, you’re gonna want to give this a try.

Oh man, let me tell you, Baked Cheese Grits is practically an honorary member of our family at this point. Every Sunday, I whip out these magical cheese dreamboats, and it’s like, boom, instant party. Even my husband, who once claimed he wasn’t a “grits man,” now hoovers them up like there’s no tomorrow. It’s kinda become our thing. The “Sunday Morning Cheese Grits Club,” open for all who meander through our kitchen door looking for love (and cheese).

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cheese Grits

1. **It’s a cheese bath:** Like, just dive in already.
2. **Foolproof comfort:** Even when you mess it up a bit, it’s still good. Imagine pizza’s fun cousin.
3. **Feeds your soul:** Perfect for lazy days or when you want to impress someone with minimal effort.

How to Make It

Okay, you’re gonna wanna start with boiling some water, because grits, duh. Once it’s bubbling like a hot tub time machine, dump in your grits and give it a good whisk. If you get distracted here, all good, just keep an eye so you don’t end up with a saucepan surprise. Now, cheese. LOAD it up with cheese like it’s going out of style — cheddar’s my go-to, but live your best cheese life. Dollop in some butter, because, well, what’s life without it? Then into the oven it goes until all golden and inviting. If your family starts circling like vultures, that’s when you know you nailed it.

Ingredient Notes

– **Grits:** Stone-ground if you want applause. Instant if you want less drama in your life.
– **Cheddar Cheese:** Sharp, mild, extra cheese. Honestly, just don’t hold back.
– **Butter:** I once used margarine. Not the hero we needed, folks, but in a pinch, it was okay.

Recipe Steps:

1. Boil water in a large pot.
2. Add grits, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Stir in cheese and butter until smooth.
4. Pour into a baking dish and pop into the oven.
5. Bake until golden and bubbly. Serve with love.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

– **Don’t skimp on cheese:** Just don’t. Trust me.
– **Watch that oven**: You want golden, not volcanic.

Storage Tips

Just chuck it in an airtight container. It’ll hang in the fridge for like 3 days, but try it cold — it’s like pizza, but, you know, grits. Breakfast win.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your cheese choices or throw in some jalapeños for a kick. Skipped butter once, lived to regret it. But hey, maybe try a dollop of sour cream if that’s your jam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baked Cheese Grits

A creamy and cheesy Southern classic baked to golden perfection, perfect for breakfast or a comforting side dish.

No ratings yet

Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook Print

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• ▢ 4 cups water
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 2 cups medium-ground grits stone-ground preferred
• ▢ 4 cups whole milk
• ▢ 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• ▢ 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
• ▢ 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pieces
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 2-quart baking dish.
• Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan.
• Slowly stir in grits, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened.
• Gradually add milk and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture is creamy and smooth, about 15 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in butter, cheddar cheese, parmesan, and pepper until well combined.
• Pour the cheese grits into the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until set and lightly browned on top.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve topped with crispy bacon bits.