If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food to kickstart your morning, this Easy Grits & Sausage Casserole is a Southern classic that never fails to impress. Whether you're hosting a Christmas morning brunch, feeding a hungry crowd at a potluck, or simply looking for a make-ahead breakfast recipe for a busy work week, this hearty dish is the perfect balance of salty, cheesy, and satisfying. Best of all, it's naturally gluten-free, making it a versatile option for everyone at the table.
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Why You'll Want to Make Grits & Sausage Casserole
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble this the night before and just pop it in the oven when you wake up.
- Crowd Pleaser: It's a "stick-to-your-ribs" meal that satisfies both kids and adults.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients like grits, eggs, and cheese.
- Versatile: Works equally well as a decadent holiday brunch or a "breakfast-for-dinner" weeknight treat.
Ingredients - Here's What You'll Need
Steps to Make Grits & Sausage Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Brown pork sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain well in a colander and set aside until ready to use.
- Place water and butter in a medium saucepan, set over high heat, and bring to a boil. Add the grits and salt. Stir to remove any lumps, and replace the lid on the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer for five minutes.
- Remove the lid and stir the grits. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside until ready to use.
- In a small bowl, add the milk, eggs, black pepper, and garlic powder. Then use a small whisk to combine. Set aside until ready to use.
- Place the sausage in a large bowl and add the grits.
- Then, add 6 ounces of shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese and pour the milk and egg mixture over everything.
- Use a large wooden spoon or silicone spatula to stir everything together.
- Spray a large 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and pour the mixture into the dish. Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven and top with the remaining 2 ounces of shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Mastering the art of a Southern-style brunch is foolproof with this Easy Grits & Sausage Casserole. This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a time-saver that brings everyone to the table. If you're looking to round out your breakfast spread, pair this casserole with fresh fruit or a side of crispy bacon. Give this recipe a try this weekend and see why it remains a favorite Southern breakfast tradition for families everywhere!
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on your preference! For a classic Southern flavor, go for breakfast sausage. If you like a bit more spice, try spicy Italian sausage or Andouille sausage. Turkey sausage is a great option for a lighter version.
While technically possible, this recipe recommends quick-cooking grits (which only take 5 minutes to cook) for the best texture. Instant grits tend to become mushy.
Absolutely! This recipe can be assembled, covered, and refrigerated overnight. Just bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven. If using the microwave, cover the casserole dish and add a splash of water or milk to prevent drying out.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Cheese it up! Use freshly shredded cheese instead of the bagged stuff, because pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can affect the consistency and texture of the casserole. For a more complex flavor profile, use a blend of grated cheeses, such as a combination of extra sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack or Gruyère.
- Sneak in some veggies: Sautéed onions, peppers, or chopped mushrooms add flavor and nutrients without overpowering the dish.
- Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or your favorite hot sauce to the casserole batter for a touch of heat.
- Fresh herbs are your friend: Chopped fresh chives, thyme, or parsley add a bright flavor when sprinkled over the finished casserole.
Other Great Breakfast Casseroles
- Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with Caramel Pecan Topping
- Make Ahead Breakfast Enchiladas
- Make-Ahead Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole (Easy and Flavorful)
- Make Ahead Sausage 'n Cheese Breakfast Casserole (With Video)
- Easy Blueberry Cinnamon Roll Casserole
- Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Bundt Cake
- Easy Cheesy Ham and Hash Brown Casserole
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Recipe
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Grits & Sausage Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Pork Sausage
- 3 c Water
- 4 tbs Unsalted Butter
- 1 c Quick Grits
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 3 Eggs
- 1 ½ c Whole Milk
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 8 oz Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brown pork sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain well in a colander and set aside until ready to use.
- Place water and butter in a medium saucepan, set over high heat, and bring to a boil. Add the grits and salt. Stir to remove any lumps, and replace the lid on the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer for five minutes. Remove the lid and stir the grits. Remove from the heat and set aside until ready to use.
- In a small bowl, add the milk, eggs, black pepper, and garlic powder. Then use a small whisk to combine.
- In a large bowl, add the sausage, cooked grits, 6 ounces of shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, and the milk and egg mixture. Use a large wooden spoon or silicone spatula to stir everything together.
- Spray a large 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and pour the mixture into the dish. Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven and top with the remaining 2 ounces of shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Yield 12 servings
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