Easy Southern Grits Breakfast Casserole Recipe 

This Southern Grits Breakfast Casserole brings the heartwarming flavors of the South right to your breakfast table. Creamy, cheesy grits are baked with eggs, sausage, and a touch of spice for a rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for weekends or family gatherings. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy to make ahead — the kind of breakfast that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

What Is a Southern Grits Breakfast Casserole?

A Southern grits breakfast casserole combines the smooth texture of stone-ground grits with eggs, cheese, and breakfast sausage into a hearty baked dish. It’s a twist on traditional grits — instead of serving them in a bowl, they’re baked into a golden, cheesy casserole that’s both creamy and firm enough to slice.

Other Easy Breakfast Recipes

• Overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole
• Make-Ahead Baked Greek Omelet
• Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Pancake Sausage Casserole

Reasons to Try Southern Grits Breakfast Casserole

• Southern comfort on your plate – Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
• Feeds a crowd – Perfect for brunch or family gatherings.
• Make-ahead friendly – Prepare in advance and bake fresh in the morning.
• Balanced and filling – High in protein and satisfying texture.
• Customizable – Easy to adjust with vegetables or different meats.

Ingredients Needed to Make Southern Grits Breakfast Casserole

• 1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions to Prepare Southern Grits Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Cook the grits

Bring water and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly stir in grits, reduce heat, and cook for about 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in butter and half the cheese until melted.

Step 2: Combine the ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked sausage and the warm grits mixture until fully blended.

Step 3: Assemble the casserole

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.

Step 4: Bake until golden

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is slightly golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite Southern sides.

What Goes Well With Southern Grits Breakfast Casserole

• Buttermilk biscuits – Perfect for soaking up the cheesy goodness.
• Fresh fruit salad – Adds a light and refreshing contrast.
• Sautéed greens – Collard greens or spinach make a nice savory side.
• Southern gravy – A creamy sausage or white gravy takes it up a notch.
• Hot sauce or salsa – Adds a bit of Southern spice and zest.

Key Tips for Making Southern Grits Breakfast Casserole

• Use hot grits – They mix better with eggs and cheese.
• Don’t overcook the grits – Keep them creamy for the perfect texture.
• Let it rest – Cooling helps it set for easy slicing.
• Add flavor with spices – Paprika, cayenne, or onion powder enhance the taste.
• Cook sausage fully – Drain excess grease to keep the casserole light.
• Make it cheesy – Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.

Creative Variations of Southern Grits Breakfast Casserole

• Spicy sausage version – Add jalapeños or hot sausage for a kick.
• Vegetarian twist – Replace sausage with roasted mushrooms and peppers.
• Seafood style – Add shrimp or crab for a coastal Southern flair.
• Low-fat option – Use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese.
• Breakfast for dinner – Serve it with a side salad or baked beans.

Storage Guidelines for Southern Grits Breakfast Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for later – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Cool before storing – Prevents moisture buildup.
• Reheat only what you need – Keeps texture and flavor intact.

Reheating Tips for Southern Grits Breakfast Casserole

• Oven method – Warm covered at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes.
• Microwave method – Heat individual slices for 1–2 minutes until hot.
• From frozen – Thaw overnight, then reheat in the oven until fully warmed.

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: ~310
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 530 mg

FAQ

Can I make a Southern grits breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole can be made in advance. Prepare it as directed, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

How do you keep grits from becoming lumpy in a casserole?

To avoid lumps, whisk the grits constantly while cooking and add them slowly to boiling water. Using hot, smooth grits in the casserole mixture ensures an even texture throughout the dish.

Can I use instant grits instead of regular grits?

You can, but the texture will be slightly different. Regular or quick-cooking grits hold up better in casseroles and give a creamier, more authentic Southern texture than instant grits.

What kind of cheese works best for a grits casserole?

Sharp cheddar cheese is the most popular choice for its bold flavor, but you can mix it with Monterey Jack or Gouda for extra creaminess and depth.

Final Words

This Southern Grits Breakfast Casserole is pure comfort food — warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying. With its rich blend of cheese, sausage, and eggs, it captures the essence of Southern breakfast traditions while remaining easy enough for any home cook. Serve it at brunch, make it for a family breakfast, or prep it ahead for busy mornings — it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite every time.

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