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What Is a Cheese Grits Casserole?

By Maggie Worth
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,428
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A cheese grits casserole is a traditional southern side dish that often appears at family meals, potluck dinners and restaurants. The primary ingredients are cheese and grits, a ground corn food somewhat similar to oatmeal or Cream of Wheat. Various seasonings and additional ingredients can be added to vary the taste and texture. Unlike traditional grits, which are generally cooked on the stove top, a cheese grits casserole is usually baked in the oven and served in a casserole dish.

The base ingredient of a cheese grits casserole is, of course, the grits. The origin of this food is thought to be Native American, though other native peoples across the world have a history of similar dishes. Grits are generally made by grinding white or yellow corn to produce white or yellow grits. The food is sometimes made with hominy and is then called "hominy grits." Grits are commercially available in instant or traditional forms.

Each variety of grits offers a slightly different taste. A cheese grits casserole might use any one of the varieties, though many cooks consider instant grits to be unacceptable for casseroles. Recipes might call for a combination of white, yellow and hominy grits to deepen the taste pallet and vary the dish's texture.

Grits are usually cooked on the stove top before being added into the casserole. They need significant amounts of liquid to cook properly. A cook might choose a traditional water base or might use stock or another creative liquid option to add flavor.

Cheese selection also varies significantly from dish to dish. White and yellow sharp cheddar are probably the most commonly used. Recipes may, however, call for virtually any relatively hard cheese, from pepper jack to Colby to American. Some cooks prefer to use a combination of cheese varieties and may vary the cheese based on the other additives they plan to use. Very soft or crumbly cheeses are generally used sparingly and in combination with other cheeses.

Eggs, salt, pepper, butter and milk appear in many cheese grits casserole recipes as well. Cooks might add jalapeños or other peppers, and crumbled bacon and sausage are also popular. Common additional seasonings include garlic, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Such a casserole might be served alone or accompanied by shrimp, chicken, vegetables, pork or beef.

Grits themselves are traditionally a breakfast food, and a cheese grits casserole may well be served at this meal. Such casseroles are, however, commonly served with dinner and at buffet-style meals as well. It is not unusual to see a cheese grits casserole at a southern-style catered affair.

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Discussion Comments
By Lostnfound — On Jun 20, 2014

I like a cheese grits casserole with sausage or bacon, for breakfast. For a lunch or dinner, a Mexican twist is good. You can add taco seasoning, green chiles and shredded chicken. Shrimp and cheese grits casserole is another really tasty option.

Shrimp and grits are more of a South Carolina low country dish, but everyone I know who likes grits likes shrimp and grits. This is kind of a spicy dish, but it's always a really big hit. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp. Some people let the casserole cook about halfway through and then add the shrimp so it doesn't overcook. The very thought makes my mouth water. I may consider that for the next church potluck.

By Grivusangel — On Jun 19, 2014

I love cheese grits, or a cheese grits casserole. They are easy to make and nearly everyone loves them. They're the most versatile of casseroles, too. You can do any kind of cheese, and any kind of flavoring.

If you use the quick-cooking grits, which cook in about five minutes, there won't be a problem in making sure the grits are cooked through and aren't crunchy.

A cheese grits casserole is really popular at buffet wedding receptions, for some reason. I think nearly every one I've been too offered it. Probably because you can make a huge pan of it for a small amount of money.

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