A delightful twist on classic cheese grits, baked to perfection for a comforting dish.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits, reducing the heat to low. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir constantly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth grits.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, butter, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Add the cheese gradually to help it melt evenly.
In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Slowly add a small amount of the hot grits mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly, then stir the egg mixture back into the saucepan.
Tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling when added to the hot mixture.
Pour the mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Grease the dish well to prevent sticking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden and the grits are set.
Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your savory baked cheddar grits!
Allowing the dish to rest helps it set and makes serving easier.
