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Home › Recipes
29 Comments

Baked Gouda Cheese Grits

Stacey Pirtle

by Stacey Published: Sep 14, 2021

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This post may contain affiliate links.

These smooth and creamy Baked Gouda Cheese Grits are loaded with savory, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Cooked in broth then baked up light with eggs, cream, rich, melted Gouda, and sharp, salty cheddar, this easy cheese grits casserole is way more than just a comfort food staple!



I have to warn you.  Things are about to get really controversial with these smoked gouda cheese grits, and I am not responsible for the outcome.  But this melty, golden truth has to be shared… 

Cheese grits- good cheese grits, cheese grits done right, specifically smoked gouda cheese grits- beat macaroni and cheese any day of the week. Hands down. No contest.

Now, I realize that such rash proclamations have the potential to rend the South right in two (right up there with how to make pimento cheese and which mayonnaise is best), but grits are literally in a category of their own. Perfect for family breakfast, brunch, as a side dish or a complete meal, cheese grits are the quintessential southern food.

Uncooked Grits in a measuring scoop

What are Grits?

Quite simply, grits are ground corn. Not a fine ground corn like cornmeal that’s used to make cornbread, but corn that’s ground coarser and boiled in water, milk or broth to make a porridge-like dish that’s eaten for breakfast or dinner.

They have a coarser texture than cream of wheat and a mild flavor that’s usually enhanced by salt, cream, butter, garlic, cheese, broth and sometimes even sugar. Depending on what’s added, grits can be humble or rich and indulgent. But whether fancy or plain, prepared correctly, good grits should be smooth and silky, not to mention downright tasty.

Ingredients for Baked Gouda Cheese Grits

Ingredients for Baked Gouda Cheese Grits

  • Quick Grits– easy, creamy & just right for this recipe. No need to labor over a stove to have tender, creamy grits!
  • Chicken Broth– This recipe uses broth instead of water to cook the grits. Unlike water, broth adds loads of savory flavor as the grits cook and take in the broth, not to mention a much needed extra punch of salt.
  • Smoked Gouda– a wonderfully smooth and creamy melting cheese with a rich smoky flavor
  • Sharp Cheddar– sharp, salty cheddar amps up the cheese flavor in this grits casserole
  • Half & Half– essential for creating creamy, rich grits that aren’t dry or gummy
  • Eggs– eggs give baked grits that light, almost souffle texture when baked
  • Butter– everything is better with real butter
  • Minced Garlic– creates another layer of savory flavor
  • Salt & Pepper– recipe basics
tip for making the best gouda cheese grits
Adding Cheese to Grits to grits on stovetop before baking

How to Make Smooth & Creamy Cheese Grits

Make the grits. Making smooth, creamy grits is easy, especially with quick cook grits. To start, bring chicken broth and garlic to a low boil in a medium sauce pan.  Briskly whisk while you pour the quick cook grits into the boiling broth. Continue to whisk to make sure there are no lumps.  Turn down the heat and let those grits simmer until thick, but not stiff. Give them a whisk every now and then to make sure they stay smooth while cooking.

tips for making the smooth and creamy gouda cheese grits

Add the extra goodness. Whisk in the cheeses a handful at a time, letting one handful melt before adding another. Follow with the butter. Then, whisk in the cream, eggs, salt, pepper, and your grits are ready for the casserole dish and oven!

Bake. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and get ready to serve the most indulgently smooth & creamy cheese grits around!

How to Serve Cheese Grits

What to Serve with Baked Gouda Cheese Grits

A Complete Brunch or Breakfast Menu

  • Classic Fruit Salad with Old Fashioned Sauce
  • Bourbon Maple Candied Bacon
  • Sausage Egg Crescent Breakfast Bundles

Pair Grits With These For Dinner

Replace your usual starches- like rice, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese- with cheese grits as a foundation for an incredibly delicious meal.

  • Perfect Skillet Steak
  • Heirloom Tomato Pie
  • New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
  • Spicy Creole Shrimp Foil Packets
  • Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders
A plate of baked gouda cheese grits

How to Reheat Leftover Cheese Grits Casserole

Any leftover Baked Gouda Cheese Grits should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. They will be delicious for breakfast or as a side dish for at least 5 days!

When grits are refrigerated, they become very stiff and a little dry. To reheat, simply add a little half & half to a serving of grits. Stir well and heat in the microwave. You can even add a sprinkle of cheese on top! After heating, stir again. If the grits are not still not smooth enough, add more half and half.

IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW!

RATE IT, LEAVE A COMMENT OR SNAP A PHOTO.

Tag me on Instagram at #southerndiscourse
How to Serve Cheese Grits

Baked Gouda Cheese Grits

Cooked in broth then baked up light with eggs, cream, rich, melted Gouda, and sharp, salty cheddar, this easy cheese grits casserole is way more than just a comfort food staple!
Print Pin Rate
Course: Breakfast, brunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: classic, comfort food, southern favorite
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Stacey | SouthernDiscourse.com

Ingredients

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 C quick cook grits
  • 8 oz smoked gouda, shredded or cubed
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar shredded
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • ½ C Half & Half
  • 4 beaten eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Cheese Grits

  • Preheat oven to 350 °F.
  • Bring broth, garlic to a boil in medium saucepan. Whisk in the grits, making sure there are no lumps. Reduce to a simmer until the grits are thick, 8-10 minutes.
  • Add shredded gouda, cheddar cheese and butter, stirring after each ingredient. Add in half & half, beaten eggs, salt & pepper stirring until combined.
  • Pour cheese grits into 4 qt. casserole dish and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the middle is set.
How to Serve Cheese Grits
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These smooth and creamy Baked Gouda Cheese Grits are loaded with savory, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.  Cooked in broth then baked up light with eggs, cream, rich, melted Gouda, and sharp, salty cheddar, this easy cheese grits casserole is way more than just a comfort food staple!
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Filed Under: Recipes, Side Dishes Tagged With: comfort food, southern classics

Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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    5 from 14 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Avatar photoLinda Becker

    April 10, 2022 at 10:59 am

    5 stars
    I have made this before, my first time eating grits! Boy, did I pick a great recipe! The smoked gouda makes this dish. Today I am going to halve this recipe and bake up in two individual ramekins. No reason why this shouldn’t work for the two of us! Thanks again, for a great recipe.

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      April 12, 2022 at 11:33 am

      Hi, Linda! I was so excited to receive your comment! I am always thrilled to when someone discovers they love grits, and I completely agree, the gouda makes it. Love the idea about halving the recipe. Should work beautifully!

      Reply
  2. Avatar photoKelle

    April 19, 2022 at 5:40 pm

    Can this be put together, refrigerated and baked the next morning? I would like to make for a bridal shower brunch next week.

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      April 20, 2022 at 11:40 am

      Hi, Kelle!
      I have never put this dish together the day before and baked the following day, but I don’t see why that wouldn’t work with great results! Simply complete the recipe except for the baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Take it out of the fridge the next morning with enough time to take the chill off the dish before placing it in your preheated oven and bake! You may have to add an extra 10 minutes or so to your bake time since your ingredients will be cold, so keep an eye on it. But it should come out just fine!

      Reply
    • Avatar photoVanessa

      May 11, 2022 at 7:05 pm

      Did you ever prep this dish the night before ? If so how did it turn out?

      Reply
      • Avatar photoSteveAnn Williams

        March 29, 2023 at 10:20 am

        5 stars
        The BEST hands down! I was raised on Grits & have always been a huge fan. So when I saw this recipe it was a no-brainer. I made this for my Bible study group luncheon. Most of the woman either had never eaten grits or hated the sound of them. I figured nobody was going to eat them, but boy was I wrong! The entire dish had been devoured & everyone was following me around asking for the recipe. I of course said that it was my “secret recipe “ then gave in & shared it.
        I will be making this for the second time tonight for tomorrow. For all that want to know, it reheats up perfectly in the oven the next morning! Soooo yummy…

        Reply
        • Stacey Pirtlestacey

          March 29, 2023 at 11:29 am

          StevieAnn, this. is. awesome!! I LOVE grits too, and there is nothing better than hearing about others finding out they love them too! Thank you so much for making these and sharing them with your Bible study. Makes my day!

          Reply
          • Avatar photoSteveAnn

            December 13, 2023 at 8:56 pm

            5 stars
            I’m making it again for my Bible group! They are begging me for it!!

          • Stacey PirtleStacey

            December 16, 2023 at 1:27 pm

            Hi, Stevie Ann! Oh my gosh! I am just tickled. Tell them thank you so much from me!

  3. Avatar photoShannon

    April 10, 2023 at 6:06 pm

    5 stars
    I just made this for the Easter brunch I hosted. Everyone loved them. I admittedly was skeptical but they turned out great. I had to increase the recipe (25 people) and the recipe multiplies well.

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      April 15, 2023 at 12:59 pm

      Hi, Shannon!
      I am so glad you made these cheese grits and loved them! You sure had a crowd to feed. I’m tickled I could help. Makes my day!

      Reply
  4. Avatar photoHannah

    August 1, 2023 at 5:04 pm

    How long will these keep for once made? I am feeding a crowd, so I doubled the recipe but I think I’ll have plenty leftover.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      August 7, 2023 at 11:21 am

      Hi, Hannah! These will keep for 4 days in the fridge, but they also freeze well. Thanks for making these! I know your guests will love them.

      Reply
  5. Avatar photoMarti Chinn

    December 19, 2023 at 5:41 pm

    Could you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you are vegetarian ? should you add anything to flavor as good or will the smoked gouda flavor it enough

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      December 21, 2023 at 2:10 pm

      Hi, Marti! You sure could! I think it will be delicious!

      Reply
  6. Avatar photoJan

    December 20, 2023 at 9:06 pm

    Planning to make this for Christmas as a side dish with short ribs. I looks like there is something green sprinkled on top in the pictures, but nothing listed in the recipe. Is it simply chopped parsley?

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      December 21, 2023 at 11:36 am

      Hi, Jan! That sounds like a wonderful Christmas dinner. YUM! Yes, it is just a bit of chopped parsley for color. I think it looks pretty and dresses up the dish a bit. I hope you love it!

      Reply
      • Avatar photoJan

        December 22, 2023 at 6:34 pm

        Perfect. Thank you! I will let you know how it goes!

        Reply
        • Stacey PirtleStacey

          December 25, 2023 at 12:09 pm

          Can’t wait! Merry Christmas!

          Reply
  7. Avatar photoBarbara M

    May 16, 2024 at 1:41 pm

    5 stars
    I made these grits for a picky family group but much to my surprise, everyone LOVED IT!
    I know you mentioned in a previous post that the grits can be frozen, but do you thaw in refrigerator prior to cooking in oven? Or from freezer to oven adding additional time?
    Many thanks for this delicious recipe!

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      May 24, 2024 at 4:54 pm

      Hi, Barbara! I am so tickled that everyone loved the grits! That makes my day! Yes, if you freeze cooked grits, thawing them in the fridge before warming them up works best. You may have to add a little chicken broth or half and half while heating if the grits are too thick.

      Reply
  8. Avatar photoJane

    August 21, 2024 at 3:17 pm

    5 stars
    This was absolutely delicious, I did add a half of red bell pepper chopped up with the garlic though. Will make again soon

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      August 24, 2024 at 1:02 pm

      HI, Jane! Thanks so much! We love these grits, and I’m so tickled you enjoyed them too. Makes my day that you would cook them again!

      Reply
  9. Avatar photoTina G.

    November 15, 2024 at 6:17 pm

    5 stars
    These grits sound absolutely amazing and my mouth is watering just reading this! I love cheese grits and can’t wait to make this yummy comfort food!

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      November 17, 2024 at 12:59 pm

      Hi, Tina! I know you’re going to love them! Can’t wait to hear about it!

      Reply
  10. Avatar photoKaren

    February 6, 2025 at 9:20 pm

    Have you tried the recipe with Stone Ground Grits? Wonder what type of modifications would need to be made?

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      March 25, 2025 at 4:32 pm

      Hi, Karen! I haven’t. I used quick grits to create an easy, accessible recipe for all readers. I do enjoy the stone ground. If you try it, let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  11. Avatar photoDonna Sumners

    April 26, 2025 at 7:42 am

    5 stars
    I made this over a year ago. I had some left over, so I cut into squares and froze. I reheated one yesterday by zapping in the microwave until hot. I think it was just as delicious as when first baked.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      May 6, 2025 at 3:14 pm

      Hi, Donna! Wow! I am just tickled to hear that! Thank you so much!

      Reply

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Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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