Kentucky Creamy Cheddar Grits Souffle
Elevate your Southern comfort food game with this Kentucky Creamy Cheddar Grits Soufflé, a show-stopping dish that's as indulgent as it is impressive. Combining the rich, hearty flavor of stone-ground grits with the airy elegance of a classic soufflé, this recipe is the perfect fusion of down-home tradition and culinary sophistication. Infused with sharp cheddar cheese, a hint of cayenne for subtle heat, and whipped egg whites for a cloud-like texture, each bite delivers creamy, cheesy perfection. The soufflé is baked to golden-brown perfection in a Parmesan-dusted dish for a touch of nutty flair. Whether you're hosting a crowd or savoring a cozy family meal, this Southern-inspired recipe is guaranteed to wow at the dinner table. Ideal for brunch, dinner, or a unique holiday side, it serves six and is ready in just one hour.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for greasing the dish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart soufflé dish with butter, and sprinkle the inside with the grated Parmesan cheese to create a coating. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring the water and milk to a gentle boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the stone-ground grits to prevent clumping. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the grits are thick and creamy.
Once the grits are cooked, stir in the unsalted butter, sharp cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
While the grits are cooling, separate the eggs into two large bowls. Whisk the egg yolks into the cooled grits mixture one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated.
Using a handheld or stand mixer, whip the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. This will give the soufflé the fluffy texture it needs.
Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the grits mixture to lighten it. Then, carefully fold in the remaining egg whites in two batches, being cautious not to deflate the mixture.
Pour the soufflé mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the soufflé is puffed, golden brown, and set in the center. Avoid opening the oven door while baking, as this may cause the soufflé to deflate.
Serve immediately for the best presentation and texture, as the soufflé will begin to deflate after a few minutes. Enjoy this elegant twist on classic grits!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2155 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 123.4 g | 158% | |
| Saturated Fat | 70.6 g | 353% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1056 mg | 352% | |
| Sodium | 4017 mg | 175% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 172.4 g | 63% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.5 g | ||
| Protein | 93.9 g | 188% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.8 mcg | 34% | |
| Calcium | 1803 mg | 139% | |
| Iron | 5.0 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 885 mg | 19% | |
*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.
