Baked Gouda Cheese Grits Recipe
A creamy, cheesy baked grits casserole featuring smoked gouda and sharp cheddar cheeses, enriched with butter, eggs, and half & half for a rich and comforting Southern-style side dish perfect for brunch or dinner.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Broth and Seasoning
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Grits and Dairy
- 2 cups quick cook grits
- 8 oz smoked gouda, shredded or cubed
- 8 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup half & half
Eggs
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F to prepare for baking the grits later.
- Boil Broth and Garlic: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and minced garlic to a boil.
- Cook Grits: Whisk in the quick cook grits carefully, ensuring there are no lumps. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the grits thicken, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Add Cheeses and Butter: Stir in the shredded smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, and butter one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the half & half, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper to the grits mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined.
- Bake the Grits: Pour the prepared cheese grits into a 4-quart casserole dish, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set and the top is slightly golden.
Notes
- Use quick cook grits for a faster cooking time, but traditional stone-ground grits can be used with longer cooking.
- Smoked gouda adds a nice depth of flavor but can be substituted with regular gouda if unavailable.
- Ensure eggs are well-beaten to help the casserole set properly during baking.
- For a richer texture, you can substitute part of the chicken broth with additional half & half or cream.
- This dish pairs beautifully with breakfast meats or sautéed greens for a hearty meal.
Keywords: baked grits, gouda cheese grits, cheesy grits casserole, Southern grits recipe, comfort food side dish