Cheesy Baked Grits with Ham: A Southern Comfort Classic

There’s something undeniably smooth about baked grits with cheese and ham for breakfast —like the perfect R&B slow jam for your taste buds. The creamy, cheesy grits harmonize with the savory notes of tender ham, creating a dish that’s as comforting as your favorite love song.

With each bite, you’ll find yourself swaying to the rich, soulful flavors, and before you know it, you’ll be coming back for more. It’s that kind of dish—one that feels like a warm embrace, full of flavor and heart.

Related Grits Posts:

• Shrimp and Grits
• Sweet Coconut Grits
• Oxtail and Grits

This baked grits dish features all kinda fall goodness. The smokey flavorful ham hocks combined with sharp cheddar cheese would be enough for an ordinary grits recipe. However the brown butter sauteed apples seasoned with cinnamon and allspice, plus the subtle hint of fresh thyme put this one over the top. It's got complex flavor and a deluxe creamy texture. The apples and hocks just help to make things interesting.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with baked grits)

Gerald Levert's "You Got That Love" pairs so well with baked grits with ham and cheese because both deliver a sense of warmth, richness, and soul. The song’s smooth, passionate vibe feels like comfort food for the ears—just like the creamy, cheesy grits and savory ham bring comfort to the palate.

Levert’s heartfelt delivery mirrors the way this dish wraps you in a cozy, satisfying embrace. Whether it’s the slow, sensual groove of the song or the hearty bite of baked grits, both evoke a feeling of indulgence and soulful satisfaction that just hits the spot.

Ingredients Needed To Make These Southern Grits

• Grits
• Ham Hocks
• Apple Cider
• Chicken Stock
• Fresh Thyme
• Apples
• Butter
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese or parmesan cheese
• Heavy Cream
• garlic powder (optional)

How To Make Baked Cheese Grits (step by step)

Make Ham Stock

Add chicken stock, apple cider, ham hocks, and fresh thyme sprigs to a large saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.

Remove hocks and thyme. Cut the ham into smaller pieces. Reserve the stock.

Prepare The Apples

In a skillet add butter and melt on medium heat. Allow butter to brown then add the diced apples. Stir occasionally seasoning with cinnamon and allspice. Cook for about 5 minutes. Set aside.

Cook the Grits

Boil the reserved ham stock in the sauce pan. Mix in the cream then add the grits stirring constantly. Mix in the butter and cheese. Add apples plus the diced ham, mix well, and cook according to package directions.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add the cooked grits to a prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of cheese and bake for about 30 minutes.

Serve as a side dish or main garnished with green onions or parsley.

What To Serve with Grits

Grits are pretty versatile. Down South we pair them with just about anything. Baked grits recipes tend to be more on the substantial side and definitely made for groups as part of a larger weekend brunch type feast. I'd put this version on the menu with the likes of dishes like:

• Pancakes or waffles
• Buttermilk Biscuits
• Fried eggs
• Sausage and Bacon
• Fried Catfish or Fried Chicken
• Sauteed Shrimp

Considerations and Tips

Choose the Right Grits

• Stone-ground grits: These are coarser and more flavorful but take longer to cook. They’re best for achieving a rich, creamy texture.
• Quick or instant grits: While faster to prepare, they may not have the same depth of flavor. If time is short, they work well, but stone-ground is preferable for baking.

Cook the Grits First

Before baking, cook your grits on the stovetop according to the package directions. Be sure to use a mix of water, broth, or milk for a creamier result. Season the grits while cooking, as this helps ensure they’re flavorful.

Use Plenty of Cheese

Cheese is a key component in baked grits, adding richness and a creamy texture. Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but you can mix in other cheeses like Parmesan, Smoked Gouda, or Monterey Jack for more flavor.

Season Well

Don't forget to season the grits generously with salt, pepper, and possibly a dash of garlic powder, paprika, or thyme. This enhances the overall flavor and keeps the dish from being bland.

Add Eggs

For more of a cheese grits casserole type dish add eggs to firm up the texture when baking.

Baking Time

Bake the grits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set. If you want a crispier top, you can finish the dish under the broiler for a couple of minutes.

Add a Crunchy Topping (Optional)

For extra texture, consider adding a topping like buttery breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even more cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Substitutions

For Cheese

• Parmesan: Swap the cheddar for Parmesan for a nuttier, sharper flavor.
• Vegan cheese: If you’re dairy-free, opt for a vegan cheese that melts well, like a dairy-free cheddar or mozzarella.

For Ham

• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits can easily replace ham for a smoky flavor.
• Sausage: Use cooked breakfast sausage or andouille sausage for a spicier, richer meat option.
• Vegan sausage: For a plant-based substitute, vegan sausage crumbles can add a savory touch.

For Heavy Cream

• Almond milk: Use unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option.
• Coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess, though it will impart a slight coconut flavor.

Variations

Spicy Cajun Baked Grits

• Add Cajun seasoning: Kick up the flavor by adding a Cajun or Creole seasoning blend to the grits.
• Andouille sausage: Replace ham with sliced andouille sausage for a smoky, spicy twist.
• Pepper Jack cheese: Swap in Pepper Jack cheese to add a spicy, creamy element.

Cheesy Bacon Grits

• Use bacon instead of ham: Crisp up some bacon, crumble it, and mix it into the grits.
• Cheddar and Gouda blend: Use a blend of sharp cheddar and smoky Gouda to add depth.
• Green onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions into the mixture for a fresh, bright flavor.

Creamy Shrimp and Grits Bake

• Shrimp addition: Add sautéed shrimp to the grits along with the ham for a seafood variation.
• White cheddar or Gruyère: Use white cheddar or Gruyère for a richer, creamier texture.

Make This Recipe

If you like eating grits as much as I do, then make these baked grits and if you do please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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