Name: Baked Gouda Cheese Grits Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 6 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp minced garlic; 2 cups quick cook grits; 8 oz smoked gouda, shredded or cubed; 8 oz sharp cheddar, shredded; 2 Tbsp butter; 1/2 cup Half & Half; 4 beaten eggs; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper

Introduction

Baked Gouda Cheese Grits offer a comforting and creamy twist on a Southern classic. This rich, cheesy dish is perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying main for any meal. With smoky gouda and sharp cheddar, it’s a flavorful crowd-pleaser.

A white oval baking dish filled with a golden-brown baked casserole that has a slightly crispy and uneven top layer sprinkled with green herbs. The inside is creamy and pale yellow with a soft, grainy texture visible where a wooden spoon scoops some out. In front of the baking dish, a white square plate holds a serving of the casserole, showing the golden crispy top layer and the creamy inside, also sprinkled with green herbs. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a blue floral cloth underneath the plate, and a few silver forks are visible to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups chicken broth
1 tsp minced garlic
2 cups quick cook grits
8 oz smoked gouda (shredded or cubed)
8 oz sharp cheddar (shredded)
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup half & half
4 beaten eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and minced garlic to a boil.
Step 3: Gradually whisk in the grits, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the grits thicken, about 8–10 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the shredded smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, and butter one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 5: Add the half & half, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper, stirring until fully combined.
Step 6: Pour the cheese grits into a 4-quart casserole dish, spreading evenly.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, substitute part of the half & half with heavy cream.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
Use a mix of Gruyère or Parmesan cheese alongside gouda for different flavor profiles.
Let the baked grits rest for 10 minutes after baking to firm up for easier serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to retain creaminess, adding a splash of milk or half & half if needed to loosen the texture.

How to Serve

A serving of creamy, light yellow grits is placed on a white square plate, showing a slightly lumpy texture with small chunks mixed in. On top, there is a crispy, golden-brown crust with a few green herb sprinkles scattered over the surface, adding a touch of color. A silver fork is partially inserted into the grits on the right side of the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a subtle hint of blue floral fabric in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular grits instead of quick cook?

Yes, but be aware that regular grits will require a longer cooking time on the stovetop before baking, usually about 20–25 minutes, until fully thickened.

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Baked Gouda Cheese Grits Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 131 reviews

This Baked Gouda Cheese Grits recipe offers a rich and comforting twist on classic grits by blending smoked gouda and sharp cheddar cheese. Slow-cooked in savory chicken broth and finished in the oven, these creamy, cheesy grits make a perfect side dish for any meal.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Grits Ingredients

6 cups chicken broth
1 tsp minced garlic
2 cups quick cook grits
8 oz smoked gouda, shredded or cubed
8 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup Half & Half
4 beaten eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the grits.
Boil Broth and Garlic: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and minced garlic to a rolling boil.
Add Grits: Whisk in the quick cook grits carefully to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until grits thicken, about 8-10 minutes.
Add Cheese and Butter: Stir in the shredded gouda followed by the sharp cheddar and butter, ensuring each ingredient is well incorporated before adding the next.
Mix in Dairy and Eggs: Add the half & half, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper to the grits mixture, stirring thoroughly until combined.
Transfer and Bake: Pour the cheese grits into a 4-quart casserole dish, spreading them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set and firm.

Notes

Use quick cook grits for faster preparation, but regular grits can be used if you extend the cooking time accordingly.
Ensure eggs are fully incorporated to help the grits set properly while baking.
For a smoky flavor, stick to smoked gouda, but you can substitute with other firm cheeses if necessary.
Serve hot as a side dish with meats or vegetables.

Keywords: Baked Cheese Grits, Gouda Grits, Cheesy Grits, Southern Side Dish, Baked Grits Casserole