oven to 350

brown sausage in frying pan until thoroughly cooked

drain fat and place sausage on paper towels, set aside

place water and salt in large saucepan and bring to boil over medium high heat

slowly stir in grits

reduce heat to low and cover pan

simmer for 5 minutes or until grits are cooked, stirring occasionally.

remove from heat

mix in 1 cup of cheese .....add butter

stir until cheese and butter are thoroughly melted

add eggs, milk, and sausage and mix well

pour grits mixture into greased 9 x 13 baking dish

sprinkle with remaining cheese

bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until casserole bubbles and is lightly browned

let cool 15 minutes before serving

NOTE casserole may be prepared the day before serving and refrigerated until baking