Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Sausage Grits Casserole is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with savory pork sausage and fluffy scrambled eggs. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a classic Southern breakfast bake that’s perfect for a holiday brunch or a hearty family meal.
Pioneer Woman Sausage Grits Casserole Ingredients
A simple, classic combination for the ultimate Southern breakfast bake.
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 2 cups uncooked quick-cooking grits
- 6 cups water
- 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, cut into pieces and divided
- 12 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make Pioneer Woman Sausage Grits Casserole
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly easy and flavorful one-dish breakfast.
- Prep Oven and Cook Grits: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish (9×13 inch is perfect). In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the liquid has been absorbed and the grits are thick.
- Make the Cheese Grits: Remove the grits from the heat. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded Cheddar cheese and half of the butter (1/4 cup) until they are completely melted into the grits.
- Cook Sausage and Eggs: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until it is browned and crumbly. Drain off the grease and add the cooked sausage to the cheese grits mixture. In the same skillet, whisk the eggs and milk together. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring gently, to lightly scramble the eggs.
- Assemble the Casserole: Gently fold the scrambled eggs into the grits and sausage mixture. Pour everything into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake and Serve: Dot the top of the casserole with the remaining butter, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of Cheddar cheese. Season with a little salt and pepper. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the casserole is heated through, lightly browned, and the cheese is bubbly.
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 water 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.
- What’s the best sausage to use? A standard one-pound roll of pork breakfast sausage is the classic choice. You can use a mild, maple-flavored, or hot variety depending on your preference for spice.
- Why lightly scramble the eggs first? Cooking the eggs separately before adding them to the grits ensures they have the perfect, fluffy texture. If you were to add them raw, they would simply dissolve into the grits and act more as a binder.
What To Serve With Sausage 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:
- A simple fruit salad
- Fluffy buttermilk biscuits
- Sliced tomatoes or a side of salsa
- A hot cup of coffee
How To Store Sausage 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 Sausage Grits Casserole Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 28 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 use a hot breakfast sausage and/or stir in a can of drained, diced green chiles or some chopped pickled jalapeños along with the cheeses.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes. While sharp cheddar is classic, you could also use a Colby Jack, a spicy pepper jack, or even a smoked Gouda for a different flavor profile.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Sausage Potato Corn Chowder Recipe
- Pioneer Woman 3-Ingredient Bisquick Sausage Balls Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes Recipe
Pioneer Woman Sausage Grits Casserole Recipe
Description
A classic, crowd-pleasing Southern Sausage Grits Casserole that is incredibly creamy, cheesy, and easy to make, packed with savory sausage and fluffy scrambled eggs. The perfect make-ahead dish for a holiday brunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a large baking dish.
- Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in the grits and cook for 5 minutes until thick. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of the cheddar and half of the butter until melted.
- In a skillet, brown the sausage until crumbly; drain the grease and add the sausage to the grits mixture.
- In the same skillet, lightly scramble the eggs with the milk. Gently fold the scrambled eggs into the grits and sausage mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Dot the top with the remaining butter and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, until lightly browned and the casserole is set.
Notes
- u003cliu003eAdding the eggs after they are lightly scrambled ensures they have a perfect, fluffy texture throughout the casserole.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/liu003eu003cliu003eFor a spicier kick, use a hot breakfast sausage.u003c/liu003e
