Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Cheese Grits Casserole is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with a rich blend of Cheddar and processed cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a classic Southern side dish that’s perfect for a holiday brunch or a hearty breakfast, ready in about an hour.
Pioneer Woman Cheese Grits Casserole Ingredients
A simple, classic combination for the ultimate Southern side dish.
- 2 ¼ cups whole milk
- 2 ¼ cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 1 (8 ounce) package processed cheese (such as Velveeta®), cubed
- ½ pound (8 ounces) sharp Cheddar cheese, cubed
- ¼ cup butter
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs, beaten
How To Make Pioneer Woman Cheese Grits Casserole
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly easy and flavorful one-dish side.
- Prep Oven and Cook Grits: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large saucepan, bring the milk, water, and salt to a boil. Gradually sprinkle in the quick-cooking grits while whisking constantly. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes, until the mixture has thickened.
- Melt in the Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the cubed processed cheese, the cubed sharp Cheddar cheese, the butter, and the garlic powder. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Temper in the Eggs: Let the cheese grits mixture cool for about 15 minutes. It’s important that it’s not piping hot for the next step. Once slightly cooled, stir in the beaten eggs until they are well combined.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the casserole is set in the center. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
For the creamiest, most delicious grits casserole every time.
- How to avoid lumpy grits? The secret is to pour the grits into the boiling liquid very gradually while whisking constantly. This prevents the grits from clumping together and ensures a smooth, creamy base.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead dish for a holiday or brunch! You can assemble the entire casserole, let it cool, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Do I have to use processed cheese like Velveeta? For the classic, ultra-creamy, smooth texture that is characteristic of this Southern dish, processed cheese is highly recommended. It melts perfectly without any risk of becoming grainy or oily.
- What’s the best way to use the leftovers? Leftover cheese grits casserole is a Southern delicacy! Once chilled, you can cut the firm casserole into squares, pan-fry them in a little butter until golden and crispy on both sides, and serve them with eggs for breakfast.
What To Serve With Cheese Grits Casserole
Classic Southern pairings that complete this comforting meal.
This rich and cheesy casserole is a staple side dish for any hearty breakfast or brunch. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Shrimp (for a classic Shrimp and Grits casserole vibe)
- Crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage
- Fried or scrambled eggs
- A holiday ham or a simple roast chicken
How To Store Cheese Grits Casserole
Keeping your delicious leftovers creamy.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat the casserole, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes, until heated through.
Pioneer Woman Cheese Grits Casserole Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 407 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Fat: 24 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use stone-ground or regular grits instead of quick-cooking?
This recipe is specifically designed for quick-cooking grits. If you substitute with stone-ground or old-fashioned grits, you will need to cook them on the stovetop for a much longer time (20-30 minutes) according to their package directions before proceeding with the recipe.
Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely! To add a kick of heat, you can stir in a can of drained, diced green chiles or some chopped pickled jalapeños along with the cheeses. A dash of hot sauce in the initial mixture is also a great addition.
My casserole seems greasy. Why?
This can sometimes happen if the cheese separates. Using a processed cheese like Velveeta helps to prevent this. Also, ensure you’re using a good quality sharp cheddar, as some lower-quality cheddars can become oily when baked..
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Runza Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cheese Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Pioneer Woman Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe
Description
A classic, crowd-pleasing Southern Cheese Grits Casserole that is incredibly creamy, cheesy, and easy to make. The perfect make-ahead side dish for a holiday brunch or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large saucepan, bring the milk, water, and salt to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring, until thickened.
- Remove from the heat. Stir in the cubed cheeses, butter, and garlic powder until completely melted and smooth.
- Let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the beaten eggs until well combined.
- Pour the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the casserole is set. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eLetting the hot grits cool for 15 minutes before adding the eggs is a crucial step to prevent the eggs from scrambling.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe combination of processed cheese and sharp cheddar is the secret to a super creamy texture and a rich cheese flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is a perfect make-ahead dish; assemble it completely, refrigerate, and then bake when you’re ready.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eLeftover cold casserole can be sliced and pan-fried in butter for a delicious crispy breakfast treat.u003c/liu003e
