Cheese grits are a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, synonymous with comfort and flavor. This recipe for Southern Cheese Grits Casserole, inspired by the hearty and approachable style of the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, takes this classic dish to the next level. Imagine a creamy, cheesy, oven-baked delight that’s perfect for everything from a cozy family breakfast to an elegant holiday brunch. This make-ahead marvel is destined to become your new go-to comfort food.
A spoonful of cheesy grits casserole, highlighting its creamy texture.
If you’ve never experienced the magic of cheese grits, prepare for a revelation. For those already in the know, you understand the deep-seated Southern affection for this dish. Cheese grits are more than just a side; they are a taste of home, a warm embrace on a plate. This casserole recipe builds upon the simple charm of cheese grits, transforming it into a dish worthy of special occasions while retaining its easy-to-make appeal, much like Pioneer Woman recipes are known for.
This Southern Cheese Grits Casserole recipe starts with a foundation of perfectly cooked grits, then elevates it with a rich blend of cheeses and savory seasonings. It’s a testament to the idea that simple ingredients, when combined with care, can create extraordinary flavors – a principle championed by home cooks and admired in the Pioneer Woman’s cooking philosophy.
Why This Recipe Embodies Pioneer Woman’s Kitchen Ethos:
- Budget-Friendly and Wholesome: Just like many Pioneer Woman recipes, grits are an incredibly affordable and nutritious base. They are naturally gluten-free and surprisingly versatile.
- Effortless Versatility: True to the Pioneer Woman’s style, this casserole transitions seamlessly from breakfast to lunch or dinner. It’s a flexible dish that fits into any meal plan.
- Comfort Food at its Finest: Cheese grits are the epitome of Southern comfort food, and this casserole amplifies that comforting nature. It’s the kind of dish that evokes feelings of home and warmth, qualities often associated with Pioneer Woman’s food.
- Adaptable and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a gathering, this recipe can easily be scaled up or customized. Pioneer Woman’s recipes are all about feeding a crowd with ease and deliciousness.
Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Cheesy Grits Casserole:
- Quick or Regular Grits: The heart of this dish. While stone-ground grits have their place, quick grits are perfect for achieving that creamy, casserole-ready texture, mirroring the practicality often found in Pioneer Woman recipes.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For that classic cheesy flavor. Sharp cheddar provides a robust taste that stands up beautifully in the casserole. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere or a Mexican blend, channeling your inner Pioneer Woman and using what you have on hand.
- Milk: The key to creaminess. Whole milk is recommended for richness, but half-and-half or heavy cream will create an even more decadent casserole, perfect for indulging just like Pioneer Woman’s indulgent recipes.
- Butter: Adds flavor and smoothness. Sweet cream butter enhances the overall taste and texture, contributing to that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Worcestershire Sauce: The secret umami ingredient. This adds a depth of savory flavor that you might not expect but is absolutely essential for a well-rounded taste, similar to the flavor layering often seen in Pioneer Woman dishes.
- Kosher Salt, Garlic Powder, and Ground Red Pepper: A simple yet effective seasoning blend. These pantry staples work together to enhance all the other flavors, creating a harmonious and delicious dish, reflecting the use of readily available ingredients in Pioneer Woman’s cooking.
- Eggs: Binders and enrichers. Eggs add richness, moisture, and help to set the casserole, holding everything together beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a golden, nutty crust. Sprinkling Parmesan on top creates a delightful textural contrast and adds another layer of cheesy goodness, reminiscent of the delightful finishes in Pioneer Woman’s baked dishes.
- Paprika (Optional): A touch of color and smokiness. A pinch of paprika adds visual appeal and a subtle smoky note, enhancing the overall presentation, much like the thoughtful touches Pioneer Woman adds to her recipes.
Creating Your Cheesy Grits Casserole: Pioneer Woman Style – Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients, just like getting your mise en place ready in a Pioneer Woman kitchen.
- In a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a rolling boil over high heat. This is the crucial first step to perfect grits, just as Pioneer Woman would emphasize. Stir in the grits gradually, whisking to prevent lumps, and bring back to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. This ensures creamy, lump-free grits, the foundation of our casserole.
Grits simmering in a saucepan, showcasing the cooking process.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Now for the cheesy magic! Add the cheddar cheese, milk, butter, Worcestershire sauce, ground red pepper, and garlic powder. Stir continuously until everything is melted and beautifully combined, creating a luscious cheese sauce.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Gently incorporate the beaten eggs into the hot grits mixture, stirring until thoroughly combined. This step ensures the eggs cook evenly and bind the casserole.
Stirring cheese grits in a saucepan, preparing the casserole base.
- Grease a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the cheesy grits mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you’re using paprika, now is the time to add a light pinch for color.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set slightly and makes for easier serving, a tip Pioneer Woman herself would likely share.
Baked cheese grits casserole in a white dish, ready to serve.
Pioneer Woman Inspired FAQs for Cheesy Grits Casserole:
What Exactly Are Grits?
Grits are ground corn, a Southern staple, and a versatile ingredient much like those often featured in Pioneer Woman’s hearty recipes. They come in various grinds, from coarse stone-ground to quick-cooking varieties. For this casserole, quick or regular grits work best, offering a smooth texture in a short amount of cooking time. While stone-ground grits offer a more robust corn flavor, quick grits are perfect for busy cooks seeking deliciousness without lengthy preparation – a hallmark of Pioneer Woman cooking.
Serving Suggestions: What Goes Best with This Casserole?
This Cheesy Grits Casserole is incredibly versatile, just like many of Pioneer Woman’s family-friendly dishes. It pairs wonderfully with seafood, such as fried fish or shrimp. It’s also fantastic alongside ham, bacon, sausage, or even barbecue. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it with sautéed spinach or roasted tomatoes. Think of it as a blank canvas for your favorite toppings and sides, much like how Pioneer Woman encourages customization in her recipes.
Make-Ahead Magic: Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Absolutely! Embrace the make-ahead convenience, a technique often utilized by Pioneer Woman to manage busy schedules. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the baking step, cover the dish, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. This make-ahead option makes it perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday meals, allowing you to get ahead, Pioneer Woman style.
Leftover Love: What to Do with Leftover Casserole?
Leftovers are a treasure! Store any leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy texture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, adding a bit of liquid to prevent drying out. Leftovers can even be frozen for longer storage, ensuring no cheesy grits goodness goes to waste, a practical approach in line with Pioneer Woman’s resourceful kitchen habits.
Sharon’s Pioneer Woman-esque Tips for Cheesy Grits Perfection:
- Cheese Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect blend. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked Gouda would be delicious additions or substitutions for cheddar, encouraging creativity and using what you love, just like Pioneer Woman.
- Maximize the Cheese: If you’re a true cheese enthusiast (and who isn’t, especially in Pioneer Woman’s world?), don’t hesitate to add extra cheese. Up to two additional cups can be incorporated for an even cheesier experience.
- Paprika Precision: When adding paprika, a pinch goes a long way. It’s best to sprinkle it lightly with your fingers for even distribution and avoid overpowering the dish, a balance often highlighted in Pioneer Woman’s recipe instructions.
- Creamy Variations: For an even richer casserole, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the milk. This will create an extra decadent and indulgent dish, perfect for special occasions, mirroring the occasional splurge in Pioneer Woman’s cooking.
- Bacon Boost: For an irresistible savory touch, crumble cooked bacon over the casserole before serving. Bacon elevates almost any dish, adding smoky, salty goodness that’s always a hit, a flavor combination often seen in Pioneer Woman recipes.
- Grits Cooking Time: Quick grits cook quickly! They only need 5 minutes on the stovetop as they will continue to cook in the oven within the casserole. For regular grits, consider increasing the stovetop cooking time to 10-15 minutes for optimal texture, ensuring perfect grits every time, a detail-oriented approach akin to Pioneer Woman’s thoroughness.
- Salt Savvy: Salt is crucial for bringing out the corn flavor of grits. Don’t be shy with the salt; it’s essential for preventing blandness and enhancing the overall taste, emphasizing the importance of proper seasoning, a key element in Pioneer Woman’s flavorful cooking.
- Shredded Cheese Shortcut: Pre-shredded cheese works perfectly fine in this recipe, saving you time and effort without compromising flavor or texture, embracing kitchen shortcuts for efficiency, a practical approach often appreciated by busy home cooks and reflected in Pioneer Woman’s recipes.
More Southern Comfort Food Recipes to Explore:
If you adore grits, explore these other delicious recipes: Southern Cheese Grits, Cajun Shrimp and Grits, Make-Ahead Sausage and Grits Casserole, Southern BBQ Shrimp and Cheese Grits, and Southern Spicy Tomato Cheese Grits.
For other Southern classics, try: Southern Potato Salad, Southern Pecan Praline Cake, Southern Style Blue Crab Cakes, Southern Mac and Cheese, Southern Squash Casserole, and Easy Classic Southern Tomato Pie.
Discover even more Southern culinary delights here.
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Close-up of the baked cheesy grits casserole in a white dish, showcasing its golden crust and creamy interior.
Southern Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe – Pioneer Woman Inspired
By Sharon Rigsby, adapted for Pioneer Technology
This Southern Cheese Grits Casserole is a comforting and cheesy side dish, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful accompaniment to any meal. Inspired by the approachable and delicious style of the Pioneer Woman, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
4.10 from 53 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Breakfast/Brunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 402 kcal
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits (not instant)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ⅔ cup milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional garnish: pinch of paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat. Gradually whisk in grits, return to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, milk, butter, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper, and garlic powder until melted and combined.
- Gently fold in beaten eggs until thoroughly mixed.
- Spray a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick spray and pour in the grits mixture. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, and garnish with paprika if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until golden brown and set. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
Feel free to use other hard cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack. For extra cheesy flavor, add up to 2 cups more cheese. Sprinkle paprika lightly for best results. Substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for milk for a richer casserole. Add crumbled bacon for a savory boost. Quick grits cook in just 5 minutes on the stovetop. Salt is key to enhancing the grits’ flavor. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient for this recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 402kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 22g, Fat: 32g, Saturated Fat: 19g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 120mg, Sodium: 697mg, Potassium: 57mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 1100IU, Calcium: 630mg, Iron: 0.4mg
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**This recipe was adapted from a recipe originally published on Grits and Pinecones.
