Grits Casserole Recipe

This Garlic Grits Casserole Recipe is a creamy and savory recipe, which is made with herb-and-garlic cheese and quick-cooking grits. It’s a comforting Southern side dish, ready in about 55 minutes.

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Garlic Grits Casserole Recipe Ingredients

The Grits Base

• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
• 4 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 10 ounces herb-and-garlic cheese (such as Boursin), approx. 2 packages
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) salted butter
• 2 medium eggs
• 1/2 cup milk

The Crunchy Topping

• 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes

How To Make Garlic Grits Casserole Recipe

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Grease a 9-by-12-by-2-inch casserole dish (or a standard 9×13 inch dish) with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Grits: In a large saucepan, bring the 4 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the salt and the quick-cooking grits. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the grits have thickened and absorbed most of the water, about 5 minutes.
3. Melt the Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Immediately add the herb-and-garlic cheese (Boursin) and the 1/4 cup of butter to the hot grits. Stir vigorously until the cheese and butter are completely melted and incorporated, creating a rich, creamy white mixture.
4. Add the Eggs: In a small bowl, beat the eggs and the milk together. Crucial Step: Slowly stir the egg mixture into the hot grits. Pour in a thin stream while stirring constantly to “temper” the eggs so they incorporate into the sauce rather than scrambling into chunks.
5. Assemble: Pour the creamy grit mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, pour the 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the crushed cornflakes. Stir gently to coat the flakes. Sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly over the top of the grits.
7. Bake: Bake for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the cornflake topping is golden brown.

Recipe Tips

• Grits Selection: Use “Quick-Cooking” grits (5 minutes) for this recipe. Do not use “Instant” grits (which come in packets and have a different texture) or “Stone Ground” grits (which take 45+ minutes to cook on the stove).
• The Cheese: The star flavor here is the Boursin (herb-and-garlic cheese). It provides all the garlic and seasoning you need without chopping fresh garlic. If you can’t find it, softened cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and dried parsley is a decent substitute.
• Tempering Eggs: Because the grits are boiling hot, dumping cold eggs in can cook them instantly. Whisking them with the milk first helps, but pouring slowly while stirring the grits is the key to a smooth texture.
• Cornflake Texture: Don’t crush the cornflakes into dust. You want coarse crumbs to provide a distinct textural crunch against the soft, creamy grits.
• Resting: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the grits to firm up slightly, making it easier to spoon out.

What To Serve With Garlic Grits Casserole Recipe

This is a versatile side dish that fits breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

• Shrimp: Top with sautéed shrimp for a casserole version of Shrimp and Grits.
• Fried Chicken: A classic Southern pairing.
• Holiday Ham: The garlic flavor complements salty ham perfectly.
• Brunch Spread: Serve alongside bacon, eggs, and fruit.

How To Store Garlic Grits Casserole Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Grits will firm up significantly when cold.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. You may need to mash them slightly with a fork and add a splash of milk to make them creamy again.
• Freeze: This casserole freezes well. Bake it, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.

Garlic Grits Casserole Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 8g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 8 servings).

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