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baked grits with cheese in white pan

Cheesy Baked Grits with Ham

Enjoy a comforting Southern dish with this recipe for baked grits with cheese, ham, and a sweet twist of spiced apples. Perfect for brunch!
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Prep Time: 1 hour
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: southern
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 1000kcal
Author: Marwin Brown

Ingredients

For The Stock

  • 2 Ham Hocks
  • 2 cups Apple Cider
  • 3 cups Chicken Stock
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme

For the Grits

  • 1 cup Stone Ground Grits
  • 1 Apples cored, peeled, and diced
  • 4 tablespoon Butter
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese grated
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice

Instructions

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 ½ the 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 remaining 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.

Video

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 1000kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 33g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 218mg | Sodium: 943mg | Potassium: 803mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 1493IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 463mg | Iron: 3mg
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