Southern-Style Sausage and Grits Casserole with Egg

This creamy 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 double duty as an easy dinner for those nights when breakfast-for-dinner really hits the spot.

 

Try Out a Sausage and Grits Breakfast Casserole

This is a classic, from-scratch recipe utilizing techniques that have been used for generations. Start out cooking grits on the stove then finish them off in the oven. The blend of creamy grits, tangy cheddar cheese, and flavorful smoked sausage combine for a fantastic breakfast casserole. You can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when your gang’s ready for breakfast or brunch.

If you haven’t experimented with breakfast casseroles when you’re having family or friends for breakfast or brunch, you’re missing out. You can prep the night before and enjoy your morning without making a mess in the kitchen. You can go sweet with a holiday eggnog casserole, or savory with a brie and sausage casserole. However, when your craving some Southern food, pull out the grits.

This sausage and grits breakfast casserole is filling enough on its own, but you can also serve it alongside a serving of eggs. Or add it to your brunch spread. It’s also an easy dish to customize with whatever type of meat or cheese you prefer.

Before You Get Started

• Make sure you have regular grits or stone ground grits which are the least processed variety, and take about 30 minutes to cook. Don’t use the instant or quick-cooking grits, they will be too watery for this casserole
• Give your self enough time. Grits take 30 minutes to cook and they can’t be rushed. However, you can make these ahead of time, even the night before and just bake them before you’re ready to serve.

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 if you’re from the South.
• It can be made ahead for an easy breakfast on a busy morning.

What Will You Need

See the Recipe Card below for a full list of ingredients.

• Smoked Sausage – Use your favorite brand. I also love this with breakfast sausage or even Italian sausage, both of which will need to be cooked before adding to the casserole. This is also a great dish to use up any leftover ham you might have from the holidays.
  
• Grits –Use regular grits for this recipe, 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.
  
• Fresh Thyme – Fresh herbs bring a bright flavor to this casserole, but you can use ¼ tsp of dried thyme if needed.
  

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 the cheese melts.

Step 2: Brown the sausage.

Step 3: Prepare the casserole.

Step 4: Assemble and bake.

Bake until it’s golden brown and cooked throughout. Remove from the oven, allow it to set for 5 minutes, and serve hot.

A Few Recipe Notes

• 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.

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