Fluffy Baked Gouda Cheese Grits Recipe to Dazzle Guests

Southern comfort meets culinary elegance with these creamy baked gouda cheese grits that promise to steal the show at any meal.

Melted gouda infuses traditional grits with a luxurious, velvety richness that turns a simple side dish into a star attraction.

Smooth, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy, these grits blend rustic charm with gourmet sophistication.

Each spoonful delivers a decadent blend of warm corn goodness and sharp cheese notes that dance across your palate.

The golden-brown top adds a delightful crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Perfectly seasoned and effortlessly impressive, this dish elevates your cooking repertoire with minimal effort.

Dive into this southern classic and savor every indulgent bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 292 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes in Baked Gouda Cheese Grits

• Chicken Broth: Adds rich, savory depth and helps cook grits smoothly.
• Minced Garlic: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch that complements the creamy cheese.

• Quick Cook Grits: Creates the foundational texture with quick-cooking convenience.
• Half & Half: Delivers luxurious creaminess and silky consistency.
• Beaten Eggs: Helps bind the dish and provides structure to the baked casserole.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps ingredients meld together seamlessly.

• Smoked Gouda: Introduces a complex, smoky flavor with melty goodness.
• Sharp Cheddar: Brings a tangy, bold cheese profile that cuts through the creaminess.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and enhances all the ingredients' natural flavors.

Tools to Cook Baked Gouda Cheese Grits with Ease

• Medium saucepan: Essential for boiling broth and cooking grits smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing grits without lumps and creating a creamy texture.
• 4-quart casserole dish: Provides the right size and depth for baking the grits.
• Cheese grater: Needed to shred smoked gouda and sharp cheddar easily.
• Mixing bowl: Helpful for combining eggs, cream, and seasonings.
• Measuring cups: Ensure accurate ingredient amounts for perfect consistency.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring grits and melting cheese thoroughly.

Steps for Baking Creamy Gouda Cheese Grits

Creamy Southern Comfort

• Broth Awakening Warm chicken broth with fragrant garlic until bubbling, creating a flavorful liquid base for the grits.
• Grits Transformation Slowly add grits to the steaming broth, stirring constantly to prevent clumps and create a smooth texture.
• Cheese Symphony Fold in smoky gouda and sharp cheddar, letting the cheeses melt into the creamy mixture, creating a rich and decadent foundation.
• Silky Fusion Incorporate velvety Half & Half and whisked eggs, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the complex flavor profile.
• Baking Magic Transfer the luxurious mixture to a casserole dish, allowing it to bake until the top turns golden and the center sets perfectly.
• Serving Delight Pull the bubbling dish from the oven, letting the aroma fill the kitchen, and serve immediately for a comforting Southern-style experience.

Tips for Bold Flavor in Gouda Cheese Grits

• Prepare the grits mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered. Simply bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Fold in crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or cooked chorizo for a heartier dish that transforms these grits from side to main course.
• Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give the creamy grits a zesty punch.
• Garnish with fresh chopped chives, green onions, or a crispy breadcrumb layer to add texture and visual appeal to the cheesy casserole.

Serving Baked Gouda Cheese Grits at Dinner or Brunch

• Brunch Centerpiece Magic: Create a stunning brunch spread by placing the baked gouda grits as the star dish, surrounded by crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh herb garnishes.
• Southern Comfort Companion: Pair these creamy grits with pulled pork, fried chicken, or blackened shrimp for a classic Southern-style meal that celebrates rich, comforting flavors.
• Elegant Party Side Dish: Serve this cheesy casserole alongside roasted vegetables or grilled meats for a sophisticated dinner party option that will impress your guests with its luxurious texture and smoky cheese profile.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Transform this dish into a crowd-favorite appetizer by scooping small portions into individual ramekins, topping with extra crispy bacon bits or chives for a hearty game day snack.

Store Gouda Cheese Grits So They Stay Creamy

• Refrigerator Storage Strategies: Keep leftover gouda cheese grits in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal the container tightly to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of half & half to restore creamy texture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Portion grits into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best taste and consistency.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, pop directly into the preheated oven, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time for chilled mixture.

Silky Gouda Cheese Grits Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines through this baked gouda cheese grits recipe, blending creamy textures with rich, savory flavors. Cheesy goodness meets hearty satisfaction, welcoming you to a classic Southern comfort dish that delivers warmth and indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) smoked gouda, shredded or cubed
• 8 oz (226 g) sharp cheddar, shredded
• 6 cups (1.4 l) chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 ml) quick cook grits
• 4 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup (120 ml) half & half
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter
• 1 tsp (5 ml) minced garlic
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) pepper

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Instructions

1. Prep Oven: Ignite the oven to 350°F, establishing an optimal baking climate for the grits casserole.
2. Flavor Base: Combine chicken broth and garlic in a saucepan, escalating to a robust boil to develop foundational taste profiles.
3. Grits Integration: Pour quick cook grits into the bubbling liquid, whisking vigorously to eliminate potential lumps, then transition to a gentle simmer for 8-10 minutes until achieving a silky, dense consistency.
4. Cheese Fusion: Meld smoked gouda and sharp cheddar into the warm grits, stirring until cheeses dissolve completely, creating a luxurious, molten texture.
5. Liquid Harmony: Whisk butter, Half & Half, eggs, salt, and pepper into the cheese mixture, ensuring comprehensive incorporation and balanced seasoning.
6. Baking Transformation: Distribute the creamy grits evenly into a casserole dish, then slide into the preheated oven, allowing 40-45 minutes for the surface to caramelize and center to solidify.
7. Serving Presentation: Extract the golden-topped casserole, permit a brief cooling moment, then serve immediately while maintaining peak temperature and decadent creaminess.

Notes

• Prevent Lumpy Grits: Whisk continuously when adding grits to boiling liquid to ensure a smooth, silky texture without unwanted clumps.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pan from heat when adding cheeses to prevent overcooking and maintain a creamy, velvety consistency.
• Baking Doneness Indicator: Look for a golden-brown top and firm center as signs that your grits casserole is perfectly cooked and ready to serve.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the grits mixture in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for a convenient and stress-free meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 292
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 83 mg