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This Southern Cheesy Grits Recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with classic Southern comfort. Made with buttery grits, melted American cheese, savory seasonings, and a hint of Tabasco, this baked casserole is the perfect side dish for breakfast, brunch, holiday dinners, or backyard barbecues.

Golden on top and irresistibly creamy inside, these cheesy baked grits are a Southern favorite that’s always the first dish to disappear.

Servings, Prep Time & Cook Time

Servings: 10–12

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Why You’ll Love This Southern Cheesy Grits Recipe

  • Creamy, cheesy Southern comfort food
  • Perfect holiday side dish
  • Great for breakfast or dinner
  • Easy to make ahead
  • Feeds a crowd
  • Rich, buttery flavor

Ingredients for Southern Cheesy Grits

The Grits

6 cups water

1½ cups grits

Cooking the grits until smooth creates the creamy foundation for this comforting casserole.

The Cheese & Butter

1 stick butter

1 pound American cheese

Butter and American cheese melt into the hot grits, creating an incredibly creamy and velvety texture.

The Seasonings

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon onion salt

1 teaspoon celery salt

1 teaspoon seasoned salt

Tabasco sauce, to taste

These classic Southern seasonings add layers of savory flavor, while the Tabasco gives the grits just the right amount of heat.

The Binder

3 eggs, beaten

The eggs help the casserole set while keeping the texture soft, rich, and creamy.

Equipment We Love for This Recipe

  • Large saucepan use code MCKMICHCOLLECTIVE for 10% off
  • Whisk
  • 9 x 13 baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Silicone spatula

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CHEESY GRITS RECIPE
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Southern Cheesy Grits Recipe

This Southern Cheesy Grits Recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with classic Southern comfort. Made with buttery grits, melted American cheese, savory seasonings, and a hint of Tabasco, this baked casserole is the perfect side dish for breakfast, brunch, holiday dinners, or backyard barbecues.
Golden on top and irresistibly creamy inside, these cheesy baked grits are a Southern favorite that's always the first dish to disappear.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 10

Ingredients

  • 6 cups water
  • 1½ cups grits
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 pound American cheese cubed or shredded
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion salt
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 3 eggs beaten
  • Tabasco sauce to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.
  • Bring the water to a boil and prepare the grits according to the package directions.
  • Remove the grits from the heat.
  • Stir in the butter and American cheese until completely melted and smooth.
  • Add the garlic salt, onion salt, celery salt, seasoned salt, and Tabasco sauce.
  • Stir in the beaten eggs until fully incorporated.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake for 1 hour, or until the top is lightly golden.
  • Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

How to Make Southern Cheesy Grits

Bring the water to a boil and cook the grits according to the package directions until smooth and creamy.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the butter and American cheese. Continue stirring until everything is completely melted and silky.

Mix in the garlic salt, onion salt, celery salt, seasoned salt, and a few dashes of Tabasco sauce to taste.

Slowly stir in the beaten eggs until fully incorporated.

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for about one hour, or until the top is lightly golden and the casserole is set.

Allow the cheesy grits to rest for a few minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Southern Cheesy Grits

These creamy cheesy grits pair perfectly with:

They’re also delicious served alongside:

  • Smoked sausage
  • Country ham
  • Fried chicken
  • Grilled shrimp

For a Southern-inspired meal, finish with Sour Cream Pound Cake Recipe or Strawberry Bread Recipe.

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze the baked grits in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat covered in a 325°F oven or microwave individual servings until hot. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick grits?

Yes! Just prepare them according to the package directions before adding the remaining ingredients.

Why use American cheese?

American cheese melts exceptionally well, creating the smooth, creamy texture that makes this casserole so delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving.

How spicy are these grits?

The amount of Tabasco is completely customizable. Add just a few dashes for mild flavor or more if you enjoy extra heat.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Cheesy Grits Recipe is a timeless Southern classic that’s creamy, cheesy, buttery, and full of comforting flavor. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, holiday gatherings, or alongside your favorite Southern meals, it’s a crowd-pleasing casserole everyone will ask you to make again.

If you make this recipe, tag us so we can see. We love seeing how you style your food and bring a little Southern hospitality into your home.

Enjoy!

McKaylee & Michele
MckMich Collective