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Southern Grits Dressing Recipes

Southern Grits Dressing Recipes

Baked Southern-style grits dressing packed with sausage, cheddar, and herbs. Cozy, savory, and perfect alongside roasted meats.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1.5 cups chopped yellow onion
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 0.75 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 12 oz pork breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled drained
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits (dry)
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup beaten eggs about 3 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp rubbed sage
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp hot sauce optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain and set aside.
  • Sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper in olive oil with 1 tbsp butter until tender, 6–8 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic, sage, and thyme; cook 1 minute until fragrant. Remove pan from heat.
  • Bring broth and milk to a simmer in a large pot. Whisk in grits slowly.
  • Cook, stirring often, until thick and creamy, 15–20 minutes. Take off the heat.
  • Stir in remaining butter, cheddar, salt, pepper, paprika, and hot sauce.
  • Temper the eggs: whisk eggs, then slowly whisk in 1 cup hot grits. Return mixture to the pot.
  • Fold in the sautéed vegetables, cooked sausage, and parsley until evenly combined.
  • Spread into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake 35–40 minutes until set and lightly browned.
  • Rest 10 minutes before scooping or slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

Variation: Swap the sausage for crumbled bacon, or fold in chopped oysters for a holiday spin. For a cheesier crust, add 1/2 cup extra cheddar on top during the last 10 minutes. Make ahead by baking, cooling, and refrigerating up to 2 days; reheat covered at 325°F until hot.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Southern Grits Dressing Recipes flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.