The Governor's Cheese Grits Recipe

Indulge in a taste of Kentucky Derby history with this decadent cheese grits recipe, originally served at Governor John Y. Brown's pre-Derby breakfast (Bon Appétit, May 1982). Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, these baked grits are the perfect brunch or side dish. Elevate your breakfast game with this classic recipe – also fantastic paired with ham!

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 50 mins

Calories 360.5 kcal

Protein 21g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for The Governor's Cheese Grits

4 cups quick-cooking grits
Cheddar Cheese
Unsalted Butter
3 large eggs
Garlic Cloves
Salt
White Pepper
Ground Nutmeg

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How to Make The Governor's Cheese Grits

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
Cook 4 cups of grits according to package directions. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter until melted.
Add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Gently fold the egg mixture into the cheese grits until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until set and lightly golden brown on top.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

23 g

Sugar

Fat

77g

Carbs

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Starters Breakfast & Brunch Sweets & Sides Side Dishes The Americas American Southern Game Day Recipes Baking

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make The Governor's Cheese Grits?

The Governor's Cheese Grits takes about 65 minutes from start to finish — roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 50 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in The Governor's Cheese Grits?

The Governor's Cheese Grits has approximately 360.5 calories per serving, with about 21 g protein, 7 g carbohydrates and 39 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for The Governor's Cheese Grits?

The key ingredients for The Governor's Cheese Grits are Grits, Cheddar Cheese, Unsalted Butter, Eggs, Garlic Cloves, Salt. See the full list with measurements above.