Description
Baked Garlic Cheese Grits are a comforting Southern-inspired side dish starring creamy, savory grits blended with Gouda and Cheddar cheeses, garlic powder, and a hint of butter. The grits are simmered until thick, then enriched with egg and milk for a soft, soufflé-like texture. Baked to golden perfection, this hearty recipe is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a crowd-pleasing dinner side.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup quick cooking grits (not instant)
- 1/4 cup butter (cubed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour the water and salt into a medium pot and bring to a boil.
- Whisk in the grits, stirring briskly to prevent clumping.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes until grits are tender and thick.
- Stir in the butter and garlic powder until well combined.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
- Stir the egg-milk mixture into the grits along with Gouda and Cheddar cheeses until evenly incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the grits are set and lightly golden on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Substitute cheddar and gouda with Monterey jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for flavor variation. You may use dairy-free milk and vegan cheeses for a plant-based option. Prepare a day ahead; refrigerate, then reheat covered at 300°F until warmed. Be sure to use quick-cooking, not instant, grits to prevent mushy texture. If grits appear dry after baking, add a splash of milk before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 62mg