Detroit-Inspired Sweet Corn and Cheddar Grits Casserole

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-24 · Updated 2026-06-24

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A creamy baked grits casserole with sweet corn kernels and sharp cheddar cheese, paying homage to Detroit’s rich culinary heritage. This American-inspired comfort-food recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs coarse ground grits, water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 American cuisine 280 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1 cup coarse ground grits
4 cups water
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups (about 2 large ears) fresh corn kernels
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup whole milk
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
2, thinly sliced for garnish green onions

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Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil over high heat. Slowly whisk in 1 cup coarse ground grits to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes until thick and creamy.
Step 2: Remove grits from heat and stir in 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 cup whole milk, 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels. Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp paprika, stirring until cheese is fully melted and mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer grits mixture into a greased 8x8-inch baking dish, smoothing the top evenly.
Step 4: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and set.
Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions before serving warm.