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!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the salt and gradually whisk in the grits to prevent clumping.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low and cook the grits, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes or until they thicken.

Step 4

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 5

Stir in the diced green chilies, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until well mixed.

Step 6

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg until fully combined.

Step 7

Gradually stir the cream-and-egg mixture into the cooked grits, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 8

Pour the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the grits are set and the top is slightly golden.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1373.2 grams (1373.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	990

Total Fat 84.80g	109%
Saturated Fat 50.30g	251%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.00g
Cholesterol 461mg	154%
Sodium 3303mg	144%
Total Carbohydrate 14.70g	5%
Dietary Fiber 2.10g	8%
Total Sugars 4.90g
Protein 37.00g	74%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 934mg	72%
Iron 4mg	21%
Potassium 513mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 78.7%

Protein: 15.3%

Carbs: 6.1%