If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch idea, this Make-Ahead Sausage and Grits Casserole Recipe is pure magic on a plate. It takes the beloved Southern staple of creamy, cheesy grits paired with savory sausage and transforms it into a hands-off casserole that you can prepare in advance, making busy mornings feel like a breeze. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of rich, hearty flavors and a satisfying texture that feels homemade but with so much less fuss. Trust me, once you discover this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Make-Ahead Sausage and Grits Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to build that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness. Together, they create a dish that’s not only flavorful but textures that keep you coming back for more.
- Quick grits (1 cup): Use quick grits for a creamy texture without the long cooking time, avoiding instant varieties to maintain that authentic, slightly toothsome bite.
- Water (4 cups): The perfect amount to cook the grits to silky perfection.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Just enough to bring flavor to the grits without overpowering the dish.
- Ground pork sausage (2 pounds): Provides the rich, meaty backbone of the casserole with its savory, slightly spicy notes.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated): Adds sharpness and gooey creaminess once melted into the grits.
- Eggs (7): These bind the casserole together, giving it structure and that irresistible baked softness.
- Milk (1 cup): Ensures the casserole stays moist and tender.
- Ground thyme (2 tsp): Brings a subtle herbaceous warmth that brightens the overall flavor.
- Garlic powder (2 tsp): Adds a gentle savory depth without overwhelming the dish.
How to Make Make-Ahead Sausage and Grits Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Sausage
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees F so it’s ready when the casserole comes together. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork sausage. Use a fork or a potato masher to break it into small, bite-sized pieces. Cook it for about ten minutes until it’s thoroughly cooked and starting to brown. This browning adds incredible flavor. When done, drain excess fat and transfer the sausage onto paper towels to absorb any remaining grease. This step guarantees your casserole will be rich but not greasy.
Step 2: Cook the Grits
While your sausage is sizzling, bring four cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Add your quick grits along with the salt, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the grits simmer gently for around seven minutes. Don’t forget to stir frequently to keep them smooth and prevent clumping. Once cooked, stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until it melts completely and infuses the grits with cheesy goodness—that velvety melt is pure comfort.
Step 3: Combine the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together seven eggs, one cup of milk, two teaspoons of ground thyme, and two teaspoons of garlic powder. This combination adds moisture, flavor, and helps everything bind into that lovely casserole texture. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Now, it’s time for the grand mix. In a large bowl—or directly in your baking dish—combine the cooked sausage, cheesy grits, and egg mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to make sure every delicious piece is coated and ready. Pour this hearty blend into a greased 9×13 inch oven-safe baking dish. If you plan to enjoy your Make-Ahead Sausage and Grits Casserole Recipe later, now is the perfect moment to cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
When it’s time to serve, bake the casserole at 350 degrees F for 60 minutes uncovered. This baking time sets the eggs and allows the edges to get nicely golden, giving you those slight crispy bits that provide a delightful contrast to the creamy interior. Serve it immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Make-Ahead Sausage and Grits Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or green onions brightens the casserole not only visually but also adds a fresh, crisp finish that pairs beautifully with the richness. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or a few dashes of hot sauce if you like a little bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a light salad of mixed greens or some roasted veggies can balance the richness perfectly. Fresh fruit salad or sliced avocados also bring a refreshing contrast, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets to impress guests. You can also top the casserole with a fried egg or crispy bacon strips for an extra layer of indulgence and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, giving you easy meals for the next few mornings without any hassle.
Freezing
Want to enjoy this feast on a future date? Freeze the fully assembled but unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish before baking. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed for a convenient, ready-made meal.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For the best texture, reheat the casserole uncovered in a 325-degree F oven for about 15-20 minutes, which helps retain that fresh-baked quality.
FAQs
Can I use instant grits instead of quick grits?
While instant grits cook faster, they tend to be mushier and may not hold up as well in this casserole. Quick grits strike a nice balance by cooking relatively fast and keeping some texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the pork sausage with a plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers to maintain the savory factor without meat.
Can I prepare this casserole without cheese?
The cheese adds incredible flavor and creaminess, but you can omit it or substitute with a different kind, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a different twist.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe as is offers mild, comforting flavors. You can easily adjust the spice by choosing a spicy sausage or adding crushed red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for more kick.
How do I know the casserole is done?
The casserole is perfectly baked when the eggs are set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should look lightly browned and firm to the touch.
Final Thoughts
This Make-Ahead Sausage and Grits Casserole Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone who loves hearty breakfasts with minimal morning effort. It’s packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, because once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Make-Ahead Sausage and Grits Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Make-Ahead Sausage and Grits Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. It combines creamy cheese grits with savory cooked sausage, baked together with eggs and spices for a satisfying meal that can be prepared in advance and baked fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients
Grits
- 1 cup quick grits (not instant)
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Sausage
- 2 pounds ground pork sausage
Egg Mixture
- 7 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp ground thyme
- 2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Sausage: Place the ground pork sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a fork or potato masher to break the sausage into small pieces. Cook for about 10 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove from heat, drain any excess fat, and set on paper towels to absorb remaining grease.
- Cook Grits: While the sausage cooks, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the grits and salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent lumps. Once cooked, stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, ground thyme, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked sausage, cheesy grits, and egg mixture until evenly incorporated. Pour this mixture into a 9×13 inch oven-proof baking dish. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Bake Casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until set and golden on top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining guests.
- Use quick grits for faster cooking; avoid instant grits as they will alter the texture.
- Drain excess fat from sausage well to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Feel free to substitute ground pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
