Cheesy Sausage and Grits Casserole

This vintage sausage and grits casserole recipe is an easy-to-make classic. With eggs, sausage, cheese, and plenty of grits, it makes a filling and satisfying breakfast. But this simple recipe can do triple duty as a yummy lunch or easy dinner for those nights when breakfast-for-dinner really hits the spot.

You can eat a sausage and grits breakfast casserole on its own, but you can also serve it alongside other breakfast foods like bacon and eggs. Or add it to your brunch spread. It’s also an easy dish to customize and is quite forgiving.

Breakfast casseroles are the best for when you’re having family or friends for breakfast or brunch. You can prep the night before and enjoy your morning without making a mess in the kitchen. You can go sweet with an eggnog casserole, or savory with a brie and sausage casserole. However, when your craving some Southern food, pull out the grits.

This is a classic, from-scratch recipe utilizing techniques that have been used for generations. The blend of creamy grits, tangy cheddar, and flavorful smoked sausage will please the whole family. You can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when your gang’s ready for breakfast or brunch.

What are grits?

A Southern staple, grits are made from ground corn. To cook them, they’re boiled in water or milk until they’re creamy and porridge-like. Grits resemble polenta but with a finer grind and a smooth consistency.

Around here, grits are served with butter or cheddar cheese, and you can find them on the menu of any diner. In fancier restaurants like Tupelo Honey they serve them with goat cheese.

If you’re not from the South, then you make have had them in a shrimp and grits dish.

What can I serve with cheesy grits?

This cheesy, meat-filled casserole is satisfying enough to be a whole meal on its own, but it can also complement your meal as a side dish. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve with classic breakfast foods like scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon, or toast.
• Pair with crusty bread.
• For some extra Southern flair, serve with biscuits and sausage gravy.
• Serve with a fresh fruit salad.

Why You’ll Love a Grits Casserole

• This Southern recipe is comforting and satisfying with its rich, cheesy flavor and hearty texture.
• It’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
• It uses pantry staples and common ingredients you likely already have in your cupboard.
• It can be made ahead for an easy breakfast on a busy morning.

What’s the difference between quick cooking, regular, and instant grits?

When you’re buying grits, you typically have three options: regular grits, quick-cooking grits, and instant grits. Here’s how to choose which grits you should buy:

Quick-cooking grits cook faster than regular grits. They take 5-10 minutes to cook. 

Regular grits or stone ground grits are the least processed variety, and take about 30 minutes to cook.

Instant grits are pre-cooked and dehydrated. To cook, they simply need to be rehydrated in hot water and are generally microwaved for a few minutes.

Most Southern grit-lovers will only eat regular or maybe quick-cooking grits, but never instant. Regular grits will have the most classic texture, with instant grits being the mushiest of the three.

Sausage and Grits Casserole Ingredients

• Smoked Sausage – Use your favorite brand. You can also use cheddar-infused sausage for an extra cheesy casserole. You can also use breakfast sausage or even Italian sausage, both of which will need to be cooked before adding to the casserole.
  
• Grits – Either quick cooking or regular grits should work for this recipe, but don’t use instant grits. For the best flavor, use stone ground grits.
  
• Sharp Cheddar – I really enjoy the tanginess of the sharp cheddar, but you can replace it with other cheddar varieties, Monterey jack, pepper jack, or your favorite cheese blend.
  
• Milk – whole milk will give you the creamiest grits, but you can use 2%.
  
• Fresh Thyme – Fresh herbs bring a bright flavor to this casserole, but you can use ¼ tsp of dried thyme if needed.
  
• Pantry Staples – salt and pepper, eggs, water

How to make a grits breakfast casserole

Step 1: Cook the grits.

To begin, bring the water to a boil and add the grits, then let it simmer for 30 minutes. Stir often, adding more water if they get too thick. When they’re finished, remove them from the heat and add in the cheddar cheese. Stir until all the cheese is melted.

Step 2: Brown the sausage.

While your grits cook, simultaneously brown your sausage in a skillet. When it’s finished, allow it to cool on a plate lined with a paper towel.

Step 3: Prepare the casserole.

Whisk together the eggs and milk and pour it into the grits. Add the seasonings as well as the sausage and stir everything together.

Step 4: Assemble and bake.

Pour the entire mixture into a baking dish and place it in the oven. Bake until it’s golden brown and cooked throughout. Remove from the oven, allow it to set for 5 minutes, and serve hot.

Tips for making a grits and sausage casserole

• I recommend you grate your own cheese as it melts better than pre-shredded, bagged cheese.
• Stir your grits often to avoid having them stick to the pan. You can’t speed up the process, it takes time for the liquid to be absorbed into the grits.

How to store leftovers

You can easily store your leftovers in the fridge. Just place them in an airtight container after the casserole has fully cooled. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze this casserole before or after it has baked. Let it come to room temperature before putting it in the oven. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, place the leftovers in a baking pan. Cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until the casserole is done.

Can I make a sausage and grits casserole the night before?

You sure can! You can make this entire recipe the evening before. Make the recipe as directed and store the mixture in a mixing bowl or in the pan you want to bake it in. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

Grit and sausage FAQs

What kind of sausage is best for grits casserole?

Any smoked sausage will be fine for this recipe, so you can use your favorite brand. You can also experiment with flavored sausage, like Polish sausage, cheddar-flavor, garlic-infused, or spicy sausage.

How long do you bake sausage and grits casserole?

This version of sausage and grits casserole is baked for 45 minutes.

How do you eat leftover grits?

To eat leftover grits, just add a little milk or water and reheat in the microwave, saucepan or cover and heat in the oven.

More breakfast casserole recipes you’ll love

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