Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish.

Step 3

Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 4

Stir in the onion and the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 5

Stir the water and the salt into the onion mixture.

Step 6

Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

Whisk the grits into the onion mixture

Step 8

Stir the ham into the grits mixture.

Step 9

Bring the mixture again to a boil.

Step 10

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened and the grits are almost tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 11

Transfer the Dutch oven away from the heat.

Step 12

Add the sharp cheddar and the extra sharp cheddar to the mixture, stirring until completely melted.

Step 13

Stir the milk, the corn, the thyme, the pepper, and the eggs into the grits mixture.

Step 14

Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 15

Bake until golden and cooked through, about 50 minutes-1 hour.

Step 16

Let stand for 15 minutes.

Step 17

Serve.