When I need a super-simple holiday dessert that leans on pantry ingredients, this baked grits treat is exactly the kind of recipe I reach for. It has that cozy, old-fashioned Southern comfort feel, but it comes together with almost no effort, which is a lifesaver during a busy Thanksgiving week. The grits bake up into a soft, spoonable pudding-like dessert with a gently sweet flavor that feels surprisingly special for something made from just three ingredients.
This dessert is especially nice served warm with a little whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of cinnamon on top. For a Thanksgiving table, I like pairing it with coffee after dinner or serving smaller portions alongside pecan pie or apple crisp so guests can sample a few sweets without feeling overloaded.
3-Ingredient Oven Baked Thanksgiving Dessert
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 cup dry uncooked quick grits
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
4 cups water
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an oven-safe sheet pan or small rimmed baking pan so the dessert releases easily after baking.
2. Pour the dry quick grits into the prepared pan, then add the sweetened condensed milk and water.
3. Stir everything together well until the grits are evenly distributed and the condensed milk is fully blended into the liquid.
4. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the mixture is set around the edges and softly pudding-like in the center with a light golden color on top.
5. Let the dessert rest for 10 minutes before scooping and serving warm.
Variations & Tips
Add warm spice: If you want a more classic holiday flavor, stir in a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice before baking. Even though the core recipe is only three ingredients, this tiny extra makes it taste much more Thanksgiving-ready.
Use a smaller baking dish: If your sheet pan is very large and shallow, the dessert may bake too thin. A quarter sheet pan or similarly sized rimmed baking dish works best so the texture stays creamy instead of drying out.
Make it ahead: You can bake this earlier in the day and rewarm it gently before serving. That is one of my favorite holiday tricks when oven space gets tight and I still want dessert on the table without last-minute stress.
Dress it up for serving: A spoonful of whipped cream, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of maple syrup can make this humble dessert feel a lot more special while still keeping the prep incredibly easy.