Imagine waking up to a mouthwatering breakfast that combines the creamy richness of Southern-style grits, the savory punch of perfectly browned sausage, and the luxurious comfort of melted cheese and sunny eggs - all baked to golden perfection in a single skillet! This Skillet Sausage Egg and Cheese Grits Breakfast Bake is not just a meal; it's a morning revelation that will transform your breakfast routine from mundane to magnificent. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, family gatherings, or when you want to impress your brunch guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 pound sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large cast-iron skillet or 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reducing heat to medium-low. Stir continuously to prevent lumping, cooking for 5-7 minutes until grits are thick and creamy.
- While grits are cooking, brown the sausage in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Break the sausage into small crumbles, cooking until no pink remains and it's fully cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Remove sausage from heat and drain excess grease on paper towels. Season grits with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold the cooked sausage into the prepared grits, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly.
- Transfer the sausage-grits mixture to the prepared skillet, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Create six small wells or indentations in the grits mixture using the back of a spoon.
- Carefully crack an egg into each well, ensuring the yolk remains intact.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the entire dish, covering the eggs and grits.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until egg whites are set and cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Whisk Constantly: When cooking grits, continuous whisking is crucial to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Drain Sausage Thoroughly: Make sure to drain excess grease from the sausage to prevent your dish from becoming too oily.
- Create Perfect Egg Wells: Use the back of a spoon to create clean, distinct wells for each egg to ensure even cooking.
- Cheese Selection: Use a sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for maximum flavor complexity.
- Doneness Check: For perfectly cooked eggs, remove the skillet when egg whites are set but yolks are still slightly runny.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- Optional Enhancements: Garnish with chopped chives, green onions, or a sprinkle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 362kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
