Make-Ahead Sausage and Grits Casserole is a very Southern breakfast or brunch entrée full of thick, cheesy grits, and spicy pork sausage. This versatile, hearty, make-ahead grits casserole is then baked to perfection until the cheesy crust is craggy and bubbling, and the filling is silky smooth except for savory bits of sausage.
Place sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a fork or potato masher to break up the sausage into small pieces. Cook the sausage for about 10 minutes or until it is cooked through and just starting to brown. When the sausage is done, remove it from the heat, drain off any fat, and put in on paper towels to drain.
While the sausage is cooking, bring four cups of water to a boil in a medium-size saucepan over medium heat. When the water comes to a boil, add the grits and salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for seven minutes. Stir often to prevent lumps. When the grits are done, add the cheese and stir until it is melted.
Add the eggs, milk, thyme and garlic powder to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
Mix the cooked sausage, cheese grits and eggs and milk mixture and pour into a 9x13 inch oven-proof baking dish. (If you are making ahead, at this point cover and refrigerate the casserole for up to 24 hours and then bake as directed.)
When ready to bake, bake the casserole uncovered for 60 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:This grits casserole recipe can be easily halved if you don't have ten people to feed.Leftovers if you have them can be reheated in the microwave or a small pan on the stove. Just add about a teaspoon of water and mix it in before reheating.[nutrition-label]