Bring a touch of Southern comfort to your breakfast table with this Cheesy Grits Casserole with Breakfast Sausage. Creamy, buttery grits are combined with savory sausage, scrambled eggs, and plenty of melted cheese, then baked to a golden, bubbling perfection. Perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or make-ahead mornings, this casserole is hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy grits infused with savory sausage
- Simple, one-dish breakfast that feeds a crowd
- Can be prepped ahead for easy mornings
- Customizable with your favorite cheese or sausage
- Perfect combination of Southern comfort and breakfast classics
Ingredients
Grits Mixture
- Water (3 cups) – Base for cooking the grits to creamy perfection.
- Quick-cooking grits (3/4 cup) – Traditional Southern staple that cooks fast and creamy.
- Butter (1/4 cup) – Adds richness and smooth texture.
- Ground breakfast sausage (1/2 pound, cooked and drained) – Hearty, savory flavor that complements the cheese.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, divided) – Adds gooey, melty cheesiness.
- Salt (1 tsp, divided) – Balances flavors.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp) – Adds subtle savory depth.
- Thyme (1/2 tsp) – Earthy undertone that pairs beautifully with sausage.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp) – Mild seasoning for balance.
Eggs
- Eggs (4 large) – Adds structure and creaminess when partially scrambled.
- Milk (1/4 cup) – Lightens eggs for soft texture.
Topping
- Shredded cheese (1 cup) – For finishing, melts beautifully on top.
- Butter (1/4 cup, cut into pats) – Creates a golden top and extra richness.
How to Make Cheesy Grits Casserole with Breakfast Sausage
Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 1½-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Cook the Sausage
- In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess grease and set aside.
Prepare the Grits
- Bring 3 cups water to a rapid boil in a large saucepan.
- Stir in grits and ½ teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted.
- Add ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese and mix well.
- Stir in cooked sausage along with remaining salt, garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Eggs
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth.
- Pour eggs into a preheated skillet and scramble just until half-cooked.
- Fold half-cooked eggs into the grits mixture until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the grits, eggs, and sausage mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Dot the top with remaining butter.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Add Cheese and Finish
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
- Return to oven for 3–5 minutes until cheese melts.
- Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Cheese variations: Swap cheddar for Gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the grits, sausage, and eggs in advance, assemble, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Season to taste: Adjust garlic, thyme, or pepper based on your preference.
- Serving size: Works well for 4–6 people depending on portion size.
Equipment Needed
- 1½-quart casserole dish
- Medium saucepan for grits
- Skillet for sausage and eggs
- Mixing bowls and whisk
- Spoon or spatula for combining ingredients
Recipe Variations
- Spicy sausage: Use hot breakfast sausage or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Vegetarian option: Omit sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
- Extra creamy: Fold in ¼ cup cream cheese or mascarpone for richer texture.
- Herbed twist: Add fresh chives, parsley, or green onions on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with hot sauce or ketchup on the side.
- Pair with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast.
- Complement with toasted biscuits or crusty bread to soak up extra cheese and butter.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the grits and sausage, partially scramble the eggs, assemble, and refrigerate. Bake the next morning until heated through and golden.
Can I use old-fashioned grits instead of quick-cooking?
Yes, but increase the cooking time according to the package directions and adjust liquid as needed.
Can I substitute the cheese?
Absolutely. Gouda, Colby, or pepper jack work wonderfully for different flavors.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Cheesy Grits Casserole with Breakfast Sausage
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
A hearty Southern breakfast casserole featuring creamy cheesy grits, scrambled eggs, and savory breakfast sausage, baked to golden perfection with a melty cheese topping.
Ingredients
Grits
- 3 cups water
- 3/4 cup quick-cooking grits
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 pound ground sausage, cooked and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Eggs
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, cut into pats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 1½-quart casserole dish.
- Cook sausage in a skillet; drain excess grease and set aside.
- Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Stir in grits and 1/2 tsp salt. Reduce to simmer, cover, and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
- Stir in butter and 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Add cooked sausage and remaining seasonings.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Scramble eggs in a skillet just until half cooked, then fold into the grits mixture.
- Pour grits/eggs/sausage mixture into prepared casserole dish. Dot with remaining butter and bake 25-30 minutes until lightly browned.
- Top casserole with 1 cup shredded cheese and bake 3-5 more minutes until cheese melts. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with Gouda or your favorite melting cheese for a different flavor.
- Optional additions: chopped bell peppers, onions, or herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Casserole
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Grits Casserole with Breakfast Sausage is a hearty, comforting breakfast dish that brings Southern charm to any table. With creamy grits, rich cheese, savory sausage, and soft scrambled eggs, it’s a one-dish morning feast that will quickly become a family favorite. Easy to prep, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy, it’s perfect for busy weekdays or leisurely weekend brunches.
