Comfort Food - Cheese Grits Casserole

I'll fill you in later this week about the reason I made a Cheese Grits Casserole. For now, just a quick picture and recipe.

Cheese Grits Casserole

4 cups water
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
2 large eggs
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350°. Bring water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually add grits, stirring constantly. Cover and simmer 8 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently. Remove pan from heat. Add 1 cup cheese and butter, stirring until cheese melts.

Combine milk and next 3 ingredients (milk through eggs), stirring with a whisk. Stir milk mixture into grits mixture. Pour into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 45 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese; bake an additional 15 minutes or until cheese melts. Let grits stand for 10 minutes before serving.