Recipe Background
Cheesy Grits Casserole: A Southern classic made memorable by a first brunch with in-laws.
Cheesy grits casserole takes me back to my very first brunch with my in-laws. We had been married only a few months, and I was tasked with preparing something Southern for a Sunday gathering. My husband mentioned offhandedly that his mom considered herself the queen of casseroles, particularly anything involving grits. Naturally, I had to rise to the challenge. I imagined the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy comfort and a touch of flair from sharp cheddar. Scouring my pantry, I found a stash of quick-cooking grits that I knew would create a smooth base without too lengthy a process.
It was a hilarious morning of trial and error, frantically adjusting the milk-to-grits ratio to avoid lumps. Thankfully, I had the foresight to use a whisk continuously, preventing any potential tragedies. Butter added that undeniable richness, while a light sprinkle of parmesan on top provided an extra flavor layer. Serving the casserole to a room full of family felt like a cooking show finale. Their grins made every spatula flip worth it, and I knew I had passed the test. To this day, I always remember to lightly grease my baking dish to ensure easy serving and appreciate the way this simple act makes the presentation a success.
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits uncooked
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Lightly grease a 7x11-inch baking dish.
- In a large saucepan, heat the milk over medium-high heat just until boiling.
- Gradually whisk in the butter and the grits.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer, whisking constantly, until the grits are cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the saucepan from the heat.
- Stir in the egg, the cheddar cheese, the salt, and the pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top of the casserole.
- Bake until the mixture is set, about 35-40 minutes.
- Serve.
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