Ham and Cheddar Grits Souffle

Town meets Country...tasty!

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, divided
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons  breadcrumbs
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons  grated parmesan cheese
• 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
• 1  cup half-and-half
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 3⁄4 cup quick-cooking grits (NOT instant)
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped onion
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 3⁄4 cup smoked ham, diced
• 1  teaspoon  hot sauce
• 6  large eggs, separated
• 1 1⁄2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3  tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Use 2tbs butter and grease 3quart baking dish.
3. Combine breadcrumbs and parmesan.
4. Coat buttered dish evenly with breadcrumb mixture.
5. Put dish in fridge until you're ready for it.
6. In medium saucepan, combine broth,cream and salt and bring to a boil.
7. Slowly stir in grits.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 5 minutes or until creamy and thick.
9. Meanwhile, melt remaining 2tbs butter in small skillet.
10. Add onion and garlic and cook until translucent (about 3 minutes).
11. Add ham and cook one minute longer.
12. Add ham mixture and hot sauce to grits.
13. Add egg yolks, one at a time, blending after each.
14. Add cheese and parsely and stir until smooth.
15. Beat egg whites until stiff.
16. Pour in 1/4 of egg whites and stir. Then fold in remaining whites.
17. Spoon souffle mixture into prepared baking dish.
18. Bake 40-45 minutes or until fluffed and golden.
19. Serve immediately.