Southern Grits & Sausage Casserole

Southern Grits & Sausage Casserole

6 cups water
2 cups uncooked grits
1/2 cup butter, divided
3 cups shredded Cheddar, divided
1 lb ground pork sausage
1 small onion, diced
12 eggs
1/2 cup milk
salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking dish. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan, and stir in grits. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer about 5 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed. Mix in 1/2 the butter and 2 cups cheese until melted. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and onion. Drain, and mix into the grits. Beat together the eggs and milk in a bowl, and pour into the skillet. Lightly scramble, then mix into the grits. Pour the grits mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot with remaining butter, and top with remaining cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned.