BAKED TWO-CHEESE & BACON GRITS

Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits image

In the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. -Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

6 thick-sliced bacon strips, chopped
3 cups water
3 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups quick-cooking grits
12 ounces Velveeta, cubed (about 2-1/3 cups)
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup 2% milk
4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove pan from heat. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels., Add water, stock, garlic powder and pepper to bacon drippings; bring to a boil. Slowly stir in grits. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, covered, 5-7 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat., Add Velveeta and butter; stir until melted. Stir in milk. Slowly stir in eggs until blended. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with bacon and shredded cheese. Bake, uncovered, 40-45 minutes or until edges are golden brown and cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Freeze option: Cool unbaked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake grits as directed, increasing time to 50-60 minutes or until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165°.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 466 calories, Fat 34g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 143mg cholesterol, Sodium 840mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 17g protein.