Easy Cheesy Loaded Grits

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. Bake: 50 min. + standing

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Aug. 31, 2023
A tasty bowl of grits inspired me to develop my own recipe with sausage, green chiles and cheeses. It just might be better than the original. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Easy Cheesy Loaded Grits Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 pound mild or spicy bulk pork sausage
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup quick-cooking grits
  • 3 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°. In a large skillet, cook sausage and onion over medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain.
  2. In a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, covered, for 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
  3. Add green chiles, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, butter and pepper sauce; stir until cheese is melted. Stir in eggs, then sausage mixture.
  4. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses; sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown and set, 50-60 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 399 calories, 28g fat (15g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.