COUNTRY GRITS AND SAUSAGE CASSEROLE

By gaster16

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. mild ground pork sausage
• 4 cups water
• 1-1/4 cups quick cooking grits, uncooked
• 4 cups (1 lb.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Paprika

Preparation

Step 1

Brown sausage in a large skillet, stirring until it crumbles. Drain well, and set aside.

Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan, stir in grits. Return to boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, add cheese and next 3 ingredients, stirring until cheese melts. Stir in sausage and eggs.

Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 13x9x92" baking dish and sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until golden and thoroughly heated. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Casserole may be prepared ahead. Prepare grits mixture as directed above, do not bake. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator, let stand, covered, 30 minutes. Uncover and bake as directed above.