Bring a taste of the South to your table with this Loaded Grits Breakfast Casserole.
Cheesy grits make a hearty side or a satisfying main for breakfast or brunch. This Loaded Grits Breakfast Casserole combines smoky bacon, turkey sausage links, sautéed onions and peppers, and plenty of cheese. Prepare it the night before and bake the morning of your gathering—perfect for holiday brunches or a relaxed weekend meal. The corn grits base is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for guests who avoid gluten.
What are Grits?
Grits are simply ground or crushed corn. Coarser grits—like Bob’s Red Mill—have a pleasing texture and robust corn flavor. Instant varieties exist, but check labels if you need certified gluten-free products, as some are processed in facilities that handle wheat. Polenta is similar to grits but is traditionally made from flint corn and served in Italian cuisine; grits are the Southern American equivalent.
Tips for Breakfast and Brunch Entertaining
Hosting brunch is easy when you include one substantial main and a selection of smaller items for guests to nibble on. A savory casserole like this pairs well with make-ahead sweet dishes, a fresh salad with fruit, and a simple side of grilled asparagus. Offer a self-serve beverage station—mimosas or coffee—and keep the main dish warm on a trivet for easy serving.
More tips for Loaded Grits Breakfast Casserole:
- Cook the bacon, sausage, onions and peppers first. Allowing them to cool slightly before folding into the grits prevents the eggs from scrambling and keeps the texture even.
- Choose your favorite melting cheese—Cheddar, Provolone, Muenster or Monterey Jack all work well.
- Use an attractive 9 x 13 baking dish so you can bring the casserole straight to the table.
- Place the hot dish on a heated trivet to maintain temperature while serving.
Foodtastic Mom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Any highlighted, clickable Amazon link in the original post may be an affiliate link.
Thank you for reading and supporting Foodtastic Mom. Be sure to PIN and print this recipe!
Print
Pin
Loaded Grits Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1/2 sweet onion chopped
- 1/2 red pepper seeded and chopped
- 1/2 yellow pepper seeded and chopped
- 12 links turkey sausage I use frozen
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup course ground grits I use Bob’s Red Mill
- 1 15 oz can creamed corn
- 4 tbsp butter melted
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 oz shredded cheese, divided Cheddar, Monterey Jack or your favorite
Start Cooking
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
-
In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until partially cooked.
-
Add the chopped onion and peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the bacon is nearly crisp.
-
Microwave the turkey sausage links to thaw, chop into small pieces, then add to the skillet. Cook until the sausage begins to brown and the bacon is fully cooked. Remove from heat.
-
In a saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Whisk in the grits, reduce heat to a simmer and cook, whisking occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
-
Stir into the cooked grits the melted butter, sour cream, creamed corn, beaten eggs and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
-
Fold in the cooked bacon, sausage, onion and pepper mixture until evenly distributed.
-
Spread the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
-
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the casserole is puffed and the top is lightly browned. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
More recipes with Grits:
- Apple Butter Pork and Grits
- Pepper Jack Cheese Grits
- Italian-style Shrimp and Grits
- Al Pastor Grilled Pork Tenderloin