Description
This recipe provides a detailed guide to making authentic Southern grits dressing, a savory and comforting side dish perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving. It offers a unique alternative to traditional cornbread dressing, highlighting the creamy texture and delicious flavor of grits.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery (about 1 stalk)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage, casings removed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon sage
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water, grits, salt, and pepper to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook according to package directions until thick and creamy, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes for stone-ground grits.
- While the grits are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add the breakfast sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, and paprika into the sausage mixture. Cook for 1 minute to combine the flavors.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked grits, the sausage and vegetable mixture, milk, and beaten eggs. If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for your Southern grits dressing.
- Pour the grits dressing mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the grits dressing is set and lightly golden brown on top.
- Let the Southern grits dressing rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free grits dressing, ensure your grits and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- You can substitute other breakfast meats like bacon or ham for the sausage.
- Vegetarians can omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference for a more savory grits casserole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal (will vary based on sausage and cheese)
- Sugar: Approximately 2g
- Sodium: Approximately 700mg (will vary based on sausage and added salt)
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g
- Fiber: Approximately 2g
- Protein: Approximately 15g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 100mg