Baked Hominy With Cheese: A Midwestern Comfort

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted this dish. It was at a potluck hosted by my Aunt Mildred, a woman whose cooking was as warm and comforting as her hugs. Nestled among the ubiquitous casseroles and potato salads was a dish that looked unassuming, almost bland, but one bite revealed a subtle, creamy, cheesy magic. The gentle sweetness of the hominy melded with the sharp bite of horseradish and the nutty Parmesan, creating a flavor profile that was both familiar and surprisingly complex. It was the taste of the Midwest on a plate, a testament to the simple joys of good food and good company.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 1 casserole
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups low-fat milk
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish (or more, to taste!)
• 2 (15 ounce) cans hominy, drained
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• 2-quart casserole dish
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius). It’s crucial to get the oven temperature right for that slow, even baking that makes this dish so wonderful.

2. In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Make sure the pan is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients later.

3. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and continue cooking for 1 minute. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Keep whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming and to avoid burning the flour.

4. Slowly pour in 2 cups of low-fat milk, mixing constantly with a whisk, until the sauce thickens. Pour the milk in gradually, whisking vigorously, to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce. Be patient; it will thicken as it heats.

5. Add 2 teaspoons of prepared horseradish (or more, depending on your preference for heat), along with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the horseradish! It really wakes up the flavors of the hominy and cheese. Start with the specified amount and add more to your liking.

6. Add 2 (15 ounce) cans of drained hominy to the sauce and stir to combine. Make sure the hominy is well coated with the sauce.

7. Pour the mixture into a lightly sprayed 2-quart casserole dish. This prevents the hominy from sticking to the sides and bottom of the dish.

8. Sprinkle 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The Parmesan will melt and create a golden, bubbly crust.

9. Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. The covering helps to trap moisture and prevent the top from browning too quickly. If you find that the top is browning too much before the baking time is up, you can lower the oven temperature slightly.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Make-Ahead Prep: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
• Ingredient Swaps: For a richer flavor, use whole milk or half-and-half instead of low-fat milk. You can also substitute Gruyere, Asiago, or sharp cheddar for the Parmesan cheese.
• Adding a Kick: If you like a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the horseradish.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley before serving adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
• Preventing a Skin: To prevent a skin from forming on the sauce while it’s simmering, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the sauce.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Baked Hominy with Cheese hot, straight from the oven. It makes a wonderful side dish for roasted chicken, pork chops, or even grilled vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. To reheat in the oven, cover the casserole dish with foil to prevent the top from browning too much. This dish is best served immediately, but it still tastes great the next day. It does not freeze well due to the dairy content which may change texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	320.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	101 g	32%
Total Fat	11.3 g	17%
Saturated Fat	6.1 g	30%
Cholesterol	28.7 mg	9%
Sodium	686.2 mg	28%
Total Carbohydrate	43 g	14%
Dietary Fiber	5.6 g	22%
Sugars	10.5 g	N/A
Protein	11.4 g	22%

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Smoked Hominy: Use smoked hominy for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Vegetable Additions: Stir in some cooked vegetables, such as corn, bell peppers, or onions, for added nutrients and flavor.
• Gluten-Free: While this recipe is naturally gluten-free, ensure that the prepared horseradish you use is also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, the milk with a dairy-free milk like almond or soy milk, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Note that this may affect the taste and texture.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen hominy for this recipe?
A: While canned hominy is recommended for its convenience and consistent texture, you can use frozen hominy. Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the sauce.

Q: Can I make this dish without horseradish?
A: The horseradish adds a distinctive flavor to the dish, but you can omit it if you prefer. You may want to add a pinch of mustard powder or a dash of hot sauce to compensate for the missing flavor.

Q: Is it important to use low-fat milk?
A: Low-fat milk is used to reduce the overall fat content of the dish, but you can use whole milk or half-and-half for a richer, creamier texture.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double this recipe to serve a larger crowd. Just use a larger casserole dish to accommodate the increased volume.

Q: How do I know when the casserole is done?
A: The casserole is done when it’s heated through and bubbly around the edges. The Parmesan cheese should be melted and golden brown.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Hominy with Cheese is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a celebration of the subtle flavors that make Midwestern cuisine so comforting. I encourage you to try this recipe and discover its unique charm. Feel free to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. Serve it alongside your favorite comfort food dishes, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family. After all, good food is best enjoyed in good company!