Grits Casserole Recipe: Tips for Making Grits Casserole

Grits casserole is an oven-baked dish featuring grits, a coarsely ground cornmeal popular in the Southern United States. To make grits casserole, cook the grits with water to make a porridge, then combine the mixture with dairy and eggs to form a custard. Finally, pour the grits mixture into a casserole dish and bake until it’s golden brown and crispy.

Customize grits casserole by incorporating ingredients like grated cheddar cheese, sautéed vegetables, or crumbled bacon.

Consult these tips before making your own grits casserole.

1. 1. Decide on the type of grits. You can use various kinds of grits in your casserole, depending on the amount of time you have to cook and the texture you’d like to achieve. Stone-ground grits have a more toothsome texture due to the stone-milling process, while instant grits are precooked and dehydrated. You can cook these grits in just a few minutes, and they have a milder flavor than stone-ground or quick-cooking grits, which are the most common type of grits.
2. 2. Choose your liquid. Plain grits can have a bland taste and soft texture. Incorporating different ingredients to add flavor and texture will take your grits casserole to the next level. Try adding chicken broth or stock and Worcestershire sauce for a more savory casserole. For a creamier texture, add milk or heavy cream. Learn how to make chicken stock with Chef Thomas Keller’s chicken stock recipe.
3. 3. Add your favorite toppings. Add even more flavor to grits casserole with add-ins like grated Pecorino Romano or Gruyère cheese, sautéed spinach or bell peppers, or sausage crumbles.

You can make and freeze grits casserole ahead of time. To do so, cover your unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and freeze it for up to four weeks. To store your cooked casserole, cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to five days.

Reheat cooked grits casserole by placing it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10–15 minutes.