Deep South Jalapeño Cheese Grits

Total Time Prep: 25 min. Bake: 45 min.
Yield 8 servings
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Grits are a true Deep South staple that warms the soul. I've made these spicy, cheesy baked grits for family, friends and church potlucks for many years. They’re always a hit! —Tamera Hazen, Daphne, Alabama

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup quick-cooking grits
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
  • Dash hot pepper sauce

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in grits, onion and garlic powders. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk a small amount of hot grits into eggs; return all to pan, whisking constantly. Stir in 2 cups cheddar, jalapeños, butter, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, pepper and hot sauce. Pour into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheddar.
  3. Bake until cheese is browned, 40-45 minutes. Garnish with additional jalapenos.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 295 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.

Grits are a true Deep South staple that warms the soul. I've made these spicy, cheesy baked grits for family, friends and church potlucks for many years. They’re always a hit! —Tamera Hazen, Daphne, Alabama
Recipe Creator

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