Grits Dressing

A rich and comforting Southern-style casserole combining creamy stone-ground grits with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and eggs. This hearty dish puffs up beautifully when baked and makes an excellent side dish or brunch centerpiece.

8 servings
2 hr 27 min

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 1 cup coarse stone-ground grits
  • 1 cup chopped bacon
  • 6 large eggs
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups coarsely grated cheddar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • ¼ teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Butter a 2-quart baking dish. Bring 4 cups water to a simmer in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in grits. Reduce heat to low; gently simmer, stirring often, until grits begin to thicken. Continue cooking, stirring often and adding water by 1/4 cupfuls if too thick, until tender and very thick (about 5 cups), about 1 hour. (The amount of water and cooking time will vary depending on the type of grits used.) Remove pan from heat and let cool slightly.

    60 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 5-7 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.

    7 min

  3. 3.

    Preheat oven to 350°. Whisk eggs and cream in a medium bowl; whisk into grits in 3 additions. Stir in 1 3/4 cups cheese, chives, paprika, and bacon. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer grits mixture to prepared dish and smooth top with a spoon. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese over.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Transfer baking dish to a foil-lined baking sheet and cook until puffed, golden, and just set in the middle, about 1 hour. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

    70 min

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