Detroit-Inspired Sweet Corn and Cheddar Grits Casserole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer grits mixture into a greased 8x8-inch baking dish, smoothing the top evenly.
  4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and set.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Detroit-Inspired Sweet Corn and Cheddar Grits Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Detroit-Inspired Sweet Corn and Cheddar Grits Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep coarse ground grits from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Detroit-Inspired Sweet Corn and Cheddar Grits Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Detroit-Inspired Sweet Corn and Cheddar Grits Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Detroit-Inspired Sweet Corn and Cheddar Grits Casserole?

American comfort food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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