Jalapeno Cheese Grits Casserole

If you love grits and spicy food this is the side dish for you.

2 cups quick-cooking grits
2 1/2 cups extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup butter
1 tablespoon hot sauce - I use Texas Pete or Tabasco
3 large eggs, well beaten
2 jalapenos, finely diced
1/4 cup canned diced green chilies
garlic salt or garlic powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cook the grits according to the directions on the back of the package (5-10 minutes), whisking the whole time to avoid lumps. You can certainly substitute stone ground grits, I prefer them to the quick grits.

Remove from the heat and add next 6 ingredients (cheddar through chilies).

Enjoy this side dish with chicken, fish, steak or anything you might have potatos or another type of casserole side dish.

Stir well and season with garlic salt or powder according to your taste.
Pour into a buttered 9x9-inch baking dish and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Cool slightly before slicing and serving

Variations: Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapenos can be added if desired - use 1/2 cup in place of 1/2 cup of the cheddar.