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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prep Oven: Ignite the oven to 350°F, establishing an optimal baking climate for the grits casserole.
- Flavor Base: Combine chicken broth and garlic in a saucepan, escalating to a robust boil to develop foundational taste profiles.
- 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.
- Cheese Fusion: Meld smoked gouda and sharp cheddar into the warm grits, stirring until cheeses dissolve completely, creating a luxurious, molten texture.
- Liquid Harmony: Whisk butter, Half & Half, eggs, salt, and pepper into the cheese mixture, ensuring comprehensive incorporation and balanced seasoning.
- 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.
- 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