Southern Grits Breakfast Casserole

 From ALLRECIPES this was a great brunch casserole - needless to say I halved the recipe and used a 9x9 pan. Also a I topped it with sliced green onions.

6 cups water 

2 cups uncooked grits 

3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided 

½ cup butter, cut into pieces, divided 

1 pound ground pork sausage 

12 large eggs 

½ cup milk 

salt and pepper to taste 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a large baking dish. 

Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan; stir in grits. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until liquid has been absorbed, about 5 minutes. Mix in 2 cups Cheddar cheese and 1/2 of the butter until melted. 

Cook sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and add to grits mixture. 

Whisk eggs and milk together in a bowl. Pour into the skillet used to cook the sausage. Lightly scramble eggs over medium-low heat, then mix into grits mixture. 

Pour grits mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot with remaining butter, sprinkle with remaining 1 cup Cheddar, and season with salt and pepper.

Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 30 minutes.