Pioneer Woman Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe
This Pioneer Woman Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe is a dream. It is creamy, cheesy, and very filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup regular yellow or white grits.
- 4 cups of water or chicken broth.
- 1/2 teaspoon of table salt.
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten.
- 1/2 cup of whole milk.
- 1 clove of minced garlic.
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Instructions
Boil the Water
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the salt to the boiling water. Use chicken broth for more savory flavor.
Cook the Grits
- Slowly whisk the grits into the boiling water. Reduce the heat to a very low simmer. Cover the pot and cook for five minutes.
Stir Frequently
- Whisk the grits every few minutes as they cook. This keeps them from sticking to the bottom. They should become thick and very creamy.
Add Butter and Cheese
- Remove the pot from the heat once cooked. Stir in the butter and the cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is completely melted.
Mix the Liquid
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Add the garlic and the spicy cayenne pepper. Stir well so the eggs are fully mixed.
Temper the Eggs
- Slowly add a little warm grit mixture to the eggs. This prevents the eggs from scrambling too fast. Stir the egg mixture back into the grits.
Prepare the Dish
- Grease your baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour the cheesy grits into the prepared dish. Spread them out evenly with a spoon.
Bake Until Set
- Put the dish in a 350°F oven. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. The top should be slightly firm and golden.
Notes
- Use stone-ground grits for a much better texture.
- Shred your own cheese for a smoother melt.
- Do not use instant grits for this recipe.
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- Let the casserole rest before you slice it.
- Use half-and-half instead of milk for extra richness.
- Whisk constantly to avoid any lumps in grits.
- Add chopped jalapeños if you like spicy food.
- Make sure the water is boiling before adding grits.
- Top with extra cheese during the last five minutes.