Grits and Greens Casserole

Are you looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that combines the richness of grits with the wholesome goodness of greens? Look no further than this Grits and Greens Casserole recipe! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this Southern-inspired dish is sure to please your taste buds and warm your soul. Join us as we explore the ingredients, instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions of this beloved casserole.

Introduction:

Grits and Greens Casserole is a classic Southern dish that brings together the creamy texture of grits with the nutritious flavor of greens. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving some down-home comfort food, this casserole is the perfect choice. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious dish and provide tips for customizing it to your liking.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 6 or 7 pieces of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups grits (not instant)
• 1 large bag of frozen greens (collards, spinach, or your preferred variety)
• 2 sticks butter
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese (reserve a little for topping)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 cups chicken broth (divided)
• 2 cups half and half or heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove from the skillet, let it cool, and crumble it into small pieces.

2. Cook the Grits:

1. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Slowly add the grits to the boiling broth, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the grits for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are thick and creamy.

3. Prepare the Greens:

1. In a separate pot, bring the remaining 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil.
2. Add the frozen greens to the boiling broth and cook according to the package instructions until tender.
3. Drain the greens and set aside.

4. Combine the Ingredients:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked grits, crumbled bacon, chopped onion, butter, Parmesan cheese, and half and half or heavy cream. Mix well to combine.
2. Gently fold in the cooked greens and Monterey Jack cheese until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble and Bake:

1. Pour the grits and greens mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Sprinkle the reserved Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole.
3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version of this casserole.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the grits and greens mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
• Extra Cheesy: For a cheesier casserole, sprinkle additional grated cheese on top before baking, or mix different types of cheese into the grits and greens mixture.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

• Cauliflower Grits: Substitute cauliflower rice for the grits to create a low-carb and keto-friendly version of this casserole.
• Coconut Milk: Replace the half and half or heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk to reduce the carb content.

Low-Carb Version:

• Almond Flour: Use almond flour instead of grits to create a low-carb alternative with a similar texture and flavor profile.
• Leafy Greens: Choose low-carb greens such as kale or Swiss chard to reduce the carbohydrate content of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use fresh greens instead of frozen? A: Yes, fresh greens can be used in this recipe. Simply wash and chop them before cooking, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to increase the baking time if the casserole is cold from the fridge.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Absolutely! Leftover casserole can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Grits and Greens Casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this hearty casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and customizable ingredients, it’s easy to see why this Southern classic has stood the test of time. So why not add a taste of the South to your next meal with this delicious and satisfying casserole?