Cheesy Ham, Corn, and Grits Bake

4 Reviews
ADD YOUR REVIEW
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunnigham
Active Time
25 Mins
Total Time
1 Hour 15 Mins
Yield
Serves 8 (serving size: about 2 cups)
September 2016
RECIPE BY Southern Living

This impressive-looking casserole bakes up puffy and golden with pockets of fresh corn and savory ham. Think of it as a soufflé without the work. If fresh corn isn't in season, use frozen corn. While using two types of Cheddar cheese might seem fussy, it's not. The extra-sharp adds more tang and the sharp Cheddar cheese balances this. And, hey, more cheese, less problems. Right? 

 

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 4 1/2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked yellow stone-ground grits
  • 2 (8-oz.) pkg. cubed boneless ham, drained and patted dry with paper towels
  • 1 (8-oz.) pkg. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 (8-oz.) pkg. shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 large eggs, lightly beaten

How to Make It

Step 1

Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish. Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 2

Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium; stir in onion and garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes. Stir in water and salt, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil. Whisk in grits, and stir in ham; return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened and grits are almost tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat; add both cheeses, stirring until completely melted. Stir in milk, corn, thyme, pepper, and eggs. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish.

Step 3

Bake in preheated oven until golden and cooked through, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

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Ratings & Reviews

Awesome

CapeDeb
January 18, 2017
Such a yummy recipe. Lots of flavor and pretty easy to make too. I've made these grits for several gatherings and am always asked for the recipe. 

Great Idea

NorthernSpie
October 02, 2016
My husband and I loved it.  Just added more onions, garlic, and corn.  Otherwise followed the recipe.  Might add just a little heat with Texas Pete or small can of chopped chilies next time.  Made it in 2 casseroles and froze one.  Will add results to this post, after it's thawed and reheated.  Worth a try. 

Potluck Favorite

Sara
August 28, 2016
A friend brought this dish to our southern themed potluck party and everyone raved about it. We all liked it so much we requested the recipe. Can't wait to try it myself. We thought the flavors were so well matched with one another. The ham just give it a little extra texture kick. Sorry the other reviwer didn't enjoy hers. We had quite the opposite experience.

Don't waste your time or money with this recipe

calliemillie
August 23, 2016
So disappointed with this recipe. It didn't taste bad, just boring and without dimension. I like each of the ingredients separately but together they don't shine. Asked my husband what he thought and he said, "it tastes like old leftovers." This was not an inexpensive dish to make and the payoff of a satisfying meal for the cost and effort just didn't happen. We continue to be a grit-loving family but no love back with this recipe!!