Baked Santa Fe Grits
Take your comfort food game to the next level with irresistibly creamy and flavorful Baked Santa Fe Grits. This Southern-inspired casserole combines stone-ground grits with a rich blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, and zesty diced green chilies for a bold kick. Infused with warm spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, each bite offers a perfect balance of smoky and savory notes. Finished with a velvety cream-and-egg mixture for a luscious texture, this dish bakes to golden perfection in just under an hour. Perfect as a standout side or a satisfying main, it’s a crowd-pleaser for brunch, dinner, or any special occasion. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant touch, and serve warm for ultimate comfort!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 4-ounce can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the salt and gradually whisk in the grits to prevent clumping.
Reduce the heat to low and cook the grits, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes or until they thicken.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
Stir in the diced green chilies, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until well mixed.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg until fully combined.
Gradually stir the cream-and-egg mixture into the cooked grits, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.
Pour the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the grits are set and the top is slightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
990 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 84.8 g | 109% | |
| Saturated Fat | 50.3 g | 251% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 461 mg | 154% | |
| Sodium | 3303 mg | 144% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.7 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g | ||
| Protein | 37.0 g | 74% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 934 mg | 72% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 513 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
