FOOD + ENTERTAINING
BAKED CHEESE GRITS
Serves 10 to 12
3 ½ cups whole milk 2 cups water
2 tablespoons ( ¼ stick ) unsalted butter , plus more for coating the pan
1 medium garlic clove , minced 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 ¼ cups quick-cooking grits
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese , shredded ( about 2 cups )
1 teaspoon hot sauce , such as Tabasco or Crystal
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 large eggs ⅛ teaspoon hot paprika
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and arrange a rack in the upper third . Coat a shallow 2 ½-quart baking dish with butter .
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat , combine 1 ½ cups of the milk , the water , measured butter , garlic and salt . Bring to a rolling boil and slowly whisk in the grits . Whisk continuously for a minute until no lumps remain . Reduce the heat , cover and simmer for 5 minutes . Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese .
In a large bowl , whisk together the remaining 2 cups milk , hot sauce , pepper and eggs . Gradually add the hot grits , stirring to combine . Pour the grits into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the paprika .
Bake for 45 minutes , until the grits are puffy around the edges and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean . Serve hot .
Recipe from Martha Hall Foose , Screen Doors and Sweet Tea
HOLIDAY 2023 101