Delicious Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty and indulgent breakfast dish to start your day, then you’ve come to the right place. I present to you Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe. This classic southern breakfast dish, made with a savory blend of breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and quick-cooking grits, is sure to satisfy every craving.
The recipe originates from the famous Jim Dandy grits brand that has been making creamy and delicious grits for over 80 years. I can guarantee that it will be a major hit with your family and friends, especially during brunch gatherings or weekend potlucks.
This dish is everything you could want in a southern-inspired breakfast casserole: cheesy, savory, and comforting. The ingredients can be easily found at any local grocery store, as well as online for busy cooks. So let’s dive into the recipe of this Jim Dandy Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole and get your mornings started off right.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a hearty Southern breakfast, look no further! Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole recipe is everything you need to start your day off right. Trust me; you’ll love this recipe because it’s a delightful blend of savory flavors packed into one dish.
The combination of tender breakfast sausage and buttery sharp cheddar cheese with the velvety grits is irresistible. This casserole transforms classic Southern cheese grits into an indulgent, creamy baked feast that can make any day better.
Plus, with its ease of preparation, it’s perfect for a cozy morning meal or a fancy brunch with friends. Whether you are looking to whip up an impressive breakfast or feed a large crowd, this casserole fits the bill. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Ingredient List
To whip up a Jim Dandy Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe that’s perfect for a Southern breakfast or brunch, prepare the following ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 2 cups quick-cooking grits
- 8 cups water
- 1 tsp salt (for grits)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 eggs
- 5 cups milk
- 1 tsp salt (for casserole)
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Note that you can easily halve the amount with the same ratio of ingredients for smaller servings. Check your kitchen if you already got some of these ingredients to avoid untimely grocery runs. Now that we’re done with the ingredients list, let’s proceed to the next section to know why you’ll love this recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, let’s start preparing the Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole. This recipe yields 8 servings and takes approximately 35 minutes to prep and an additional 50 minutes for baking. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook sausage and grits
In a large skillet, cook 1 lb of breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned, using a spatula to break up any large chunks. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a separate plate using paper towels to soak up any excess grease.
In a separate saucepan, combine 4 cups of water, 1 tsp of salt, and 1 cup of quick-cooking grits. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and continue stirring for about 5-7 minutes, or until the grits are fully cooked.
Step 3: Add cheese, eggs, butter, milk
Remove from heat and add in 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, cut into pieces, and 1 cup of milk. Stir until cheese is melted using a whisk.
Next, add in 3 beaten eggs into mixture, stirring constantly.
Finally, stir in cooked sausage from plate into grits mixture bowl until incorporated properly.
Step 4: Prepare baking dish
Grease a standard-sized (9×13 inch) baking dish with some unsalted butter or margarine.
Step 5: Pour mixture into baking dish
Pour the sausage-cheese-grits mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to evenly spread mixture across pan.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until lightly golden brown on top. The casserole should be firm around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 7: Let it cool
Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to mix things up with Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe? Here are some substitution and variation ideas to try out:
– Bacon: Swap out breakfast sausage for crumbled bacon for a different twist on the classic dish. For those who enjoy savory and smoky flavors in their casserole, this is the perfect way to go.
– Shrimp: Love seafood? Try cooking up some shrimp and adding them into the grits casserole for an extra burst of flavor. This is a great option for those who want a more elevated version of this southern classic.
– Chicken or Vegetable Bouillon: For vegetarian or chicken lovers, add chicken or vegetable bouillon to the grits during cooking for added depth of flavor. This will also give it an earthy taste that blends well with the cheesy taste.
– Coleslaw: Pair the finished cheesy grits casserole with Jim Dandy Coleslaw as a refreshing side dish. It can be made ahead of time and put together quickly when it’s time to serve.
– Different Cheeses: Switch out sharp cheddar cheese for different variations such as pepper jack, gouda, or mozzarella. Each cheese has its own unique taste that can elevate your casserole game!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients! Whether you want to make your breakfast even heartier or find new ways to use this recipe as a side dish, there’s no limit to how you can customize Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe to meet your taste preferences.
Serving and Pairing
One of the best things about Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe is that it is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving and pairing. In fact, this yummy casserole can be enjoyed at any time of day, making it the ultimate Southern comfort food that can be relished anytime you crave a warm meal.
For breakfast, serve a hearty slice alongside some scrambled eggs, toast or biscuits for a complete and satisfying meal. Pairing this casserole with crispy bacon or juicy sausages will only enhance its flavor and make your morning even better.
For lunch or dinner, serve with a green salad to balance out the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, spice things up by preparing Jim Dandy’s coleslaw on the side; it’s an incredibly delicious and refreshing side dish that complements the casserole beautifully.
This casserole also pairs well with a variety of beverages. A cup of coffee or tea is perfect for breakfast or brunch, while a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice helps to brighten the flavors of the dish. For dinner, pair with a nice glass of white wine or beer to help cut through the rich flavors of the cheese and sausage.
Overall, this delicious recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family members alike. Whether it’s for breakfast or dinner, serving Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe is guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Are you hosting a brunch and want to get ahead of the game? This Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole recipe can be made in advance for easy entertaining. Here are some tips for make-ahead, storing and reheating:
Make-Ahead:
To prepare the dish in advance, follow the recipe instructions until after adding the egg mixture on top of the grits. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid if your baking dish has one, then store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours until ready to bake. When you’re ready, remove it from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Storing:
If you have leftovers, let them cool before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. To reheat, bring it to room temperature and bake in an oven preheated to 350F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
Reheating:
To heat individual portions, microwave them on high power for about one minute or until hot. You can also reheat the casserole by placing it in a preheated oven at 350F until hot all over.
These simple steps will ensure that you have delicious breakfast dishes without spending too much time in the kitchen during busy mornings. Just follow these instructions and you’ll be able to enjoy Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole anytime you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
For making the perfect Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole, it is essential to follow the steps precisely. Here are some tips that will help you achieve a great result:
Firstly, for perfect cheese grits, the type of cheese used should be sharp cheddar cheese. It has a tangy flavor and melts well, resulting in creamy and cheesy grits casserole. Always buy fresh and high-quality grated cheese or shred it yourself for the best results.
Secondly, when cooking the grits, constantly stir them to prevent lumps and sticking to the bottom of the pan. Use low heat and cook them slowly for about 5 minutes. Quick-cooking grits only need 2-3 minutes of cooking before removing them from heat.
Thirdly, mixing eggs with milk gives a smoother texture to the casserole, so make sure to whisk them well before adding them to the mixture.
Fourthly, always undercook the breakfast sausage since it will cook more in the oven. Cook it in a skillet until lightly browned on both sides, then crumble it over the grits mixture.
Fifthly, after mixing all ingredients in a baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This method ensures that all flavors evenly distribute and infuse overnight.
Finally, preheat your oven correctly and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-50 minutes or when it is firm in the middle. Let it cool for five minutes before serving to get perfect slices.
In conclusion, these tips will make sure that you get a delicious Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole every time you prepare it. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations by substituting shrimp or bacon instead of sausage for added flavors!
FAQ
As with any recipe, questions and concerns may arise. In this section, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help guide you on your journey to creating the perfect Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole. So read on for answers to some commonly asked questions about ingredients, substitutions, baking methods, and more!
How do you make the best Jim Dandy grits?
Making a delicious bowl of grits is easy. Firstly, heat water in a saucepan and add dry grits along with a pinch of salt. Then, cover and let it simmer on low heat for about five minutes. This will give them a nice, creamy texture. Serve up as hot cereal for a classic southern breakfast that’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
Can you freeze cheese grits casserole?
Preparing grits casserole in advance is possible by tightly wrapping the unbaked casserole with plastic wrap and storing it in the freezer for up to four weeks. Also, you can store cooked casseroles by covering them tightly with either plastic wrap or a lid, and keeping them in the fridge for a maximum of five days. This can come in handy for busy mornings when you want to have a hearty meal ready to go without the fuss of cooking it from scratch. It’s essential to take care during the storage process to keep it fresh and avoid spoilage.
What are the ingredients in Jim Dandy grits?
To make this recipe, you will need white corn grits along with essential nutrients like iron, niacin, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid.
Can you cook grits the night before?
There’s no doubt about it – grits are best enjoyed at the height of their creaminess. However, if you’re pressed for time, you can prepare them up to 2 days ahead of time. Once they’re done, just place them in the refrigerator uncovered until they’ve cooled down, and then cover them up. If you need to reheat them, simply break the congealed grits into smaller pieces and add enough boiling water, up to about 1 cup or so, to loosen them up. Make sure to stay at low heat and stir them constantly until they’re heated through!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe serves as a perfect breakfast option for those seeking a hearty, savory option. The ease of preparation and accessibility of ingredients make this recipe a must-try among all cooking enthusiasts. With its variations and substitutions, the possibilities are endless and will leave you craving for more every time.
So why not step out of the mundane breakfast routine and try something different? With Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe, you can create classic Southern comfort food in your own home with just a few simple ingredients. And if this recipe doesn’t quite satisfy your appetite or if you’re looking to experiment with other cooking styles or ingredients, visit marthawhite.com to find more recipes that suit your taste buds!
Jim Dandy’s Sausage and Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and drained
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup quick-cooking grits
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine
- 1 cup milk
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
Instructions
- 1. Heat oven to 350. Grease a 2 quart glass baking dish. In large saucepan, combine water and salt. Bring to a boil. Gradually stir in grits. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 2.Brown sausage.
- 3. Remove grits from heat. Add butter and 1 cup of cheese, stir until melted. Add sausage, eggs, and pepper; mix well. Pour mixture into greased baking dish. Sprinkle remainder of cheese on top.
- 4. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.