Cheese and Jalapeno Grits Casserole

Celebrate Southern comfort with a bold twist in this Cheese and Jalapeño Grits Casserole—a creamy, cheesy baked dish that’s sure to steal the spotlight at your next gathering. Combining the rich smoothness of sharp cheddar and cream cheese with the subtle heat of fresh jalapeños, this easy-to-make casserole brings layers of flavor to the table. Whisked together with buttery grits and a touch of garlic, it's finished with a dusting of paprika for vibrant color and a hint of smokiness. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or as a satisfying holiday side dish, this recipe delivers a hearty serving of warmth and spice in every bite. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Quick-cooking grits
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 2 pieces Jalapeno peppers, diced and deseeded
• 2 large Eggs, lightly beaten
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Paprika (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil over medium heat.

Step 3

Slowly whisk in the grits to prevent clumping, and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until thickened.

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter until melted and fully combined.

Step 5

Whisk in the milk, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Fold in the diced jalapeno peppers, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 7

Allow the mixture to cool slightly before whisking in the beaten eggs. Stir quickly to combine without letting the eggs cook.

Step 8

Season with black pepper and adjust salt to taste, if needed.

Step 9

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 10

Sprinkle the top with a pinch of paprika for a pop of color.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the edges are golden brown.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1960.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2827.8

Total Fat 179.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 108.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 890.8mg	0%
Sodium 4434.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 210.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.5g	0%
Total Sugars 19.4g
Protein 101.2g	0%

Vitamin D 237.4IU	0%
Calcium 2167.2mg	0%
Iron 14.5mg	0%
Potassium 1307.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.5%

Protein: 14.1%

Carbs: 29.3%