If you have a love for comforting Southern classics with a cheesy, savory twist, you are going to adore this Hissy Fit Grits Casserole Recipe. Packed with creamy grits, melty Velveeta, smoky sausage, and layers of rich cheddar and muenster cheeses, this casserole is the perfect soul-warming dish for brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s wonderfully indulgent yet so straightforward to prepare, making it a standout crowd-pleaser that brings that cozy, just-like-mama-made feeling right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each plays a crucial role in making your Hissy Fit Grits Casserole Recipe irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and full of depth.
- 1 pound sausage: Adds a savory, meaty richness that forms the backbone of the casserole.
- 6 cups chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base to cook the grits until perfectly tender.
- 2 cups quick-cooking grits: The star starch that absorbs all the cheesy goodness and melts seamlessly.
- 8 oz Velveeta, cubed: Gives a silky, gooey texture and mild cheese flavor that elevates creaminess.
- 2 cups shredded muenster cheese, divided: Adds a buttery melt and subtle tang for extra cheesy layers.
- 1½ Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Boosts flavor with a hint of umami and complexity.
- 1½ tsp onion powder: Introduces a warm, mellow sweetness that complements the sausage.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle pungent aroma without overpowering the dish.
- ½ cup butter, cubed: Contributes luscious richness and helps achieve a smooth texture.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the mixture just enough to keep it creamy but not heavy.
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten: Bind all ingredients together for a perfect casserole consistency.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, golden crust that complements the softer cheeses.
How to Make Hissy Fit Grits Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Preparing your pan now ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly, giving you that perfect crust without the hassle.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s browned and no longer pink inside. Drain off any excess fat so the casserole isn’t too greasy, then set the sausage aside. This step fills your kitchen with the richest aromas and builds the savory base for your casserole.
Step 3: Cook the Grits
Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan, then slowly whisk in the quick-cooking grits. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the grits have thickened beautifully. The grits are what soak up all the flavor, becoming creamy and tender.
Step 4: Combine Cheeses, Spices, and Eggs
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cubed Velveeta, 1 cup of the shredded muenster cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cubed butter until everything melts together into a luscious, cheesy mixture. Then add the milk and fold in the lightly beaten eggs slowly so they blend without scrambling. Finally, stir in the cooked sausage. This creamy mixture is the heart of your Hissy Fit Grits Casserole Recipe.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pour and spread the cheesy grits and sausage mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the top with the shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining cup of muenster cheese to create a bubbling, golden crust while baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the casserole uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the cheesy topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma will make it impossible to wait!
How to Serve Hissy Fit Grits Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also bring a delightful contrast to the rich creaminess of the casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with bright and crunchy sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, which balance its richness. For a complete Southern feast, try serving it alongside collard greens or fried green tomatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Hissy Fit Grits Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets—perfect for brunch gatherings or holiday meals. You can also layer it with cooked greens or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrients.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole tends to firm up after chilling, which makes for easy reheating slices.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350° F until warmed through to preserve the cheesy crust and creamy interior. You can also microwave individual portions but cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional pork sausage offers a classic flavor, you can easily swap in turkey sausage or even a spicy chorizo for a different kick. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Hissy Fit Grits Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Simply replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. The rest of the recipe remains the same and still yields a deliciously cheesy casserole.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before baking?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What type of grits work best?
Quick-cooking grits are ideal for this recipe as they thicken nicely in a short time. However, if you use regular grits, just cook them a bit longer until tender.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sausage and Worcestershire sauce. Always check labels to be certain.
Final Thoughts
This Hissy Fit Grits Casserole Recipe has a way of turning simple ingredients into something truly memorable and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving that ultimate comfort food, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to dive into one of the coziest casseroles you’ll ever taste!
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Hissy Fit Grits Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Hissy Fit Grits Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and savory Southern-style dish combining flavorful sausage, quick-cooking grits, and a melty blend of Velveeta, muenster, and cheddar cheeses. This hearty casserole is baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal savory breakfast, brunch, or comfort food option for a crowd.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound sausage
Grits and Cheese Mixture
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups quick-cooking grits
- 8 oz Velveeta, cubed
- 2 cups shredded muenster cheese, divided
- 1½ Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup butter, cubed
- ½ cup milk
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it is browned and no longer pink inside. Drain excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside for later use.
- Cook Grits: Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Slowly stir in the quick-cooking grits, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits have thickened.
- Mix Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the grits from heat. Stir in the cubed Velveeta, 1 cup of muenster cheese, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and cubed butter. Stir until all the cheese and butter have melted completely. Next, stir in the milk. Slowly add the beaten eggs while stirring to fully combine, then fold in the cooked sausage.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded muenster cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- Use quick-cooking grits for a faster preparation time, but regular grits can be substituted; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Drain the sausage well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- For a spicier twist, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.
- This casserole is perfect for make-ahead breakfasts or brunch gatherings; it can be refrigerated overnight before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
