Ah, the country life. Working with your hands, appreciating the fresh air and the wide-open fields, that wholesome feeling you just can’t find in the city… nothing can compare. Well, unless you count the Farmhouse Casserole! This is a savory bake filled with smooth grits, meaty ham, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese. Eggs add even more heartiness, so you’ll feel energized enough to work on a farm, and corn kernels add just a touch of summery sweetness. Nothing beats coming home from a long, busy day and finding a little taste of country serenity waiting for you in the form of the Farmhouse Casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 4 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1 1/2 cups yellow stone-ground grits
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cubed boneless ham, drained and patted dry with paper towels
- 1 (8-ounce) package sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 (8-ounce) package extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish.
Step 3 –Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
Step 4 –Stir in the onion and the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Step 5 –Stir the water and the salt into the onion mixture.
Step 6 –Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 7 –Whisk the grits into the onion mixture
Step 8 –Stir the ham into the grits mixture.
Step 9 –Bring the mixture again to a boil.
Step 10 –Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened and the grits are almost tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 11 –Transfer the Dutch oven away from the heat.
Step 12 –Add the sharp cheddar and the extra sharp cheddar to the mixture, stirring until completely melted.
Step 13 –Stir the milk, the corn, the thyme, the pepper, and the eggs into the grits mixture.
Step 14 –Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 15 –Bake until golden and cooked through, about 50 minutes-1 hour.
Step 16 –Let stand for 15 minutes.
Step 17 –Serve.
