Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausages, stirring often, until heated through, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 4

Drain the sausages on a paper-towel-lined plate.

Step 5

In a large Dutch oven over high heat, add the water and the salt and bring to a boil.

Step 6

Whisk the grits into the salted boiling water and return to a boil.

Step 7

Cover the Dutch oven, lower the heat to medium, and simmer, while whisking occasionally, until the grits mixture has thickened.

Step 8

Transfer the grits mixture away from the heat.

Step 9

Add the cheese to the grits mixture and stir until the cheese is completely melted.

Step 10

Stir the milk, the thyme, the garlic powder, the black pepper, and the eggs into the grits mixture.

Step 11

Stir the cooked sausages into the grits mixture.

Step 12

Pour the sausage mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 13

Bake until golden and warmed through, about 50 minutes.

Step 14

Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes.

Step 15

Serve.