Grits Dressing

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter (for dish)
• 1 cup coarse stone-ground grits
• 1 cup (about 10 ounces) chopped bacon
• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups coarsely grated cheddar (about 8 ounces)
• divided
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
• Kosher salt
• freshly ground pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Butter a 2-quart baking dish.

2. 2

   Bring 4 cups water to a simmer in a large saucepan.

3. 3

   Gradually whisk in grits.

4. 4

   Reduce heat to low; gently simmer, stirring often, until grits begin to thicken.

5. 5

   Continue cooking, stirring often and adding water by 1/4 cupfuls if too thick, until tender and very thick (about 5 cups), about 1 hour. (The amount of water and cooking time will vary depending on the type of grits used.) Remove pan from heat and let cool slightly.

6. 6

   Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 5-7 minutes.

7. 7

   Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.

8. 8

   Preheat oven to 350°.

9. 9

   Whisk eggs and cream in a medium bowl; whisk into grits in 3 additions.

10. 10

    Stir in 1 3/4 cups cheese, chives, paprika, and bacon.

11. 11

    Season to taste with salt and pepper.

12. 12

    Transfer grits mixture to prepared dish and smooth top with a spoon.

13. 13

    Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese over.

14. 14

    Transfer baking dish to a foil-lined baking sheet and cook until puffed, golden, and just set in the middle, about 1 hour.

15. 15

    Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.