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
Scale
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.
