Baked Cheese Grits

Cook's Country

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1  teaspoon unsalted butter
• 1  onion, minced
• 1  cup heavy cream
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  hot sauce
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄8 cups  old-fashioned grits
• 2  cups  shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• 3  large eggs, lightly beaten
•  pepper

Directions

1. Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat oven to 350°.
2. Grease a 9 x 9 inch baking dish with 1 teaspoon butter.
3. Heat the remaining 2 tbs butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until the foam begins to subside.
4. Add the onion and cook until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes.
5. Add 3 cups water, the cream, hot sauce, and salt and bring to a boil.
6. Whisk in the grits and decrease heat to low.
7. Cook, stirring frequently, until the grits are thick and creamy, about 15 minutes.
8. Off the heat, thoroughly stir in 1 1/2 cup cheese, the eggs, and pepper to taste.
9. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smooth the top with a rubber spatula, and place the grits in the oven.
10. Bake for 30 minutes.
11. Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven.
12. Continue baking until the top is browned, about 15 minutes.
13. Let rest for 5 minutes and serve.