sausage and cheese grits casserole
Even though we aren't at our own house for Christmas morning, I like to have traditions that we do with our little family before we travel to see family for Christmas. This grits casserole has become a favorite tradition for our "Christmas morning" breakfast before we exchange gifts as a family (rather than bring all our gifts for each other on the plane or in the car.) It is truly southern, and though I am a born and raised Minnesota girl through and through, it is fun to have some traditions that are more reflective of our time here in Louisiana and where our son, Theo, was born. This casserole is cheesy, oozy, goodness (I always add a bit extra cheese than the recipe calls for :) and will most definitely be a tradition we will continue in the future. Maybe you and your family will find this fits somewhere with your traditions, too!
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 package turkey sausage
- 6 green onions, sliced
- 1 yellow or orange pepper
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/4 cups quick cooking grits
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 shredded parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 11x7 baking dish with cooking spray.
Heat oil over medium heat in a skillet and add sliced sausage and saute for a few minutes. Then add diced pepper and green onions.
In a medium pan, bring water and chicken broth to a boil. Add salt and slowly stir in grits. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring often.
Whisk together milk, eggs, and garlic powder. Slowly stir in about 1 cup of the hot grits to temper the eggs. Then pour the milk mixture into the saucepan with the rest of the grits and stir to combine.
Stir in cheeses and mix in the sausage/pepper/onions and pour into baking dish. If desired, sprinkle a little cheese on top. Bake for 45 minutes.
