About
There's so much love and Southern hospitality in this Cheesy Grit Casserole, you know you'll love it from the start! The grits are tender, buttery, and oh-so cheesy, with just a hint of spice to keep it lively. But Cheesy Grit Casserole has more to offer than just grits, because it also features succulent sausage and savory onions for a full, hearty experience! It certainly makes everyone at the table feel welcome!
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild or spicy bulk pork sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 3 (4-ounce) cans chopped green chiles
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- fresh cilantro, optional, to taste, chopped, for garnish
Directions
Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Step 2 -In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage and the onions and cook, while crumbling the sausage, until the meat is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 3 -Drain the excess grease from the skillet.
Step 4 -In a large saucepan, add the water and the salt and bring it to a boil.
Step 5 -Slowly add the grits to the salted, boiling water and stir to combine.
Step 6 -Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the saucepan.
Step 7 -Cook the grits, while stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 8 -Transfer the saucepan from the heat.
Step 9 -Add the green chiles and their juices, 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese, the butter, and the hot pepper sauce to the grits and stir until the cheese has melted.
Step 10 -Add the eggs and the sausage mixture to the grit mixture and stir to combine.
Step 11 -Transfer the grit mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 12 -Evenly top the grits mixture with the remaining cheddar cheese and the remaining Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 13 -Sprinkle the top of the cheese layer with the paprika.
Step 14 -Bake the grit casserole, uncovered, until golden-brown and set, about 50 minutes-1 hour.
Step 15 -Transfer the casserole from the oven and let it stand for about 10 minutes.
Step 16 -Sprinkle with the cilantro and serve.
