If you’re craving a dish that combines creamy comfort with hearty, savory flavors, this Sausage & Cream Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe is going to become one of your new favorites. Imagine velvety grits baked with gooey Velveeta, rich cream cheese, and flavorful pork sausage, all topped with melted cheddar—each bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re serving brunch for a crowd or looking for a satisfying family meal, this casserole brings together simplicity and indulgence in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the straightforward list fool you—each ingredient in this Sausage & Cream Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe plays an essential role, contributing depth, creaminess, and that irresistible cheesy pull that makes this dish so memorable.
- 1½ lb pork sausage: Provides a savory, meaty base with rich flavor that complements the creamy grits perfectly.
- 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese (softened): Adds smooth, tangy creaminess that melts beautifully into the sausage for a luscious texture.
- 6 cups chicken stock: Gives the grits a flavorful liquid foundation, enhancing depth without overpowering.
- 2 cups quick-cooking grits: The heart of the casserole, delivering that classic Southern grit texture swiftly and easily.
- 12 ounces Velveeta (cubed): Brings a velvety melt and mild cheesiness that binds everything together.
- ½ cup butter (cubed): Contributes richness and a silky mouthfeel throughout the dish.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the casserole just a bit while keeping it creamy and smooth.
- 4 large eggs (lightly beaten): Bind the mixture and add structure, giving the casserole a satisfying sliceable texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sprinkled on top for a golden, bubbly finish with sharp cheesy notes.
How to Make Sausage & Cream Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F—this ensures it’s ready to cook your masterpiece evenly. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to keep the casserole from sticking while it bakes to bubbly perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Blend in Cream Cheese
Cook the pork sausage over medium heat until it’s fully browned and no longer pink; this step unlocks all that savory goodness. Once cooked, drain excess fat for a cleaner taste, then stir in the softened cream cheese, breaking it up so it melts into the sausage and becomes irresistibly creamy.
Step 3: Make the Grits Base
Bring the chicken stock to a boil in a large saucepan; this flavorful liquid is key for tender, tasty grits. Slowly stir in the quick-cooking grits for even cooking. Turn the heat down to medium-low, cover, and let it thicken for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses, Butter, Milk, and Eggs
Remove the thickened grits from heat, then stir in the Velveeta cubes and butter, letting them melt into the creamy base. Next, stir in the milk to keep things smooth and silky. Finally, fold in the lightly beaten eggs slowly to bind everything while maintaining a delicate texture. Mix in three-quarters of the sausage and cream cheese blend for that rich, savory surprise.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your creamy, cheesy grits mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Now, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by the remaining sausage and cream cheese mixture to create a delicious, cheesy, meaty crust as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. The top will turn beautifully golden and bubbly, while the inside sets to a luscious, firm consistency that holds together well when served.
How to Serve Sausage & Cream Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or parsley adds a pop of color and a subtle freshness that brightens up this rich dish. A drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream can also offer a nice contrast to the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. For a true Southern feast, serve it alongside collard greens or crispy fried okra for that perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Sausage & Cream Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized presentation. You can also layer it in a trifle dish with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for an elevated twist on a classic comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making the next-day servings just as delightful—if not better!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it perfect for busy days when you want comfort food on demand.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350° F oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help maintain the creamy texture without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While pork sausage offers great flavor, you can substitute with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option, or even a spicy variety if you want a little extra kick in your Sausage & Cream Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe.
Can I make this vegetarian?
If you want to keep the creamy texture but skip the meat, try replacing sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to keep those bold flavors intact.
Is it necessary to use Velveeta?
Velveeta is wonderful for creating a silky, smooth melt, but you can substitute with other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar mixture. Just be mindful that the texture and flavor might shift slightly.
Can this be prepared ahead and baked later?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I serve this with for breakfast?
This casserole is a fantastic hearty breakfast option by itself but pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a side of scrambled eggs for a complete morning feast.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about the perfect marriage of creamy, cheesy grits and savory sausage in this Sausage & Cream Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe. It’s a dish that invites comfort and joy to your table, whether for family dinners or special gatherings. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite all-in-one comfort classic!
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Sausage & Cream Cheese Grits Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A comforting and hearty casserole featuring creamy grits combined with savory pork sausage, cream cheese, Velveeta, and cheddar cheese, baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch dish that blends rich cheeses with tender grits and flavorful sausage.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1½ lb pork sausage
- 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, softened
Grits Mixture
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups quick-cooking grits
- 12 ounces Velveeta, cubed
- ½ cup butter, cubed
- ½ cup milk
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cook Sausage and Mix with Cream Cheese: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pork sausage until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, then add the softened cream cheese to the cooked sausage and stir thoroughly, breaking the cream cheese into small crumbles. Set this mixture aside.
- Cook the Grits: In a large saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Slowly stir in the quick-cooking grits, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the grits are thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping. Remove the saucepan from heat when done.
- Add Cheeses, Butter, Milk, and Eggs: Stir the cubed Velveeta and butter into the hot grits until they melt smoothly. Next, stir in the milk, followed by slowly stirring the beaten eggs until the mixture is well combined. Finally, fold in three-quarters of the sausage and cream cheese mixture into the grits.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the creamy grits and sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, then scatter the remaining sausage and cream cheese mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and set.
Notes
- You can substitute the pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Use quick-cooking grits to reduce preparation time; regular grits will require longer cooking.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to firm up before serving.
- For extra flavor, add diced onions or bell peppers to the sausage while cooking.
- Make sure to stir the grits regularly during cooking to avoid lumps.
