Savory Ham-n-Swiss Breakfast Pie

This is a favorite brunch recipe!

1 2/3 c. water
1 c. whipping cream
2 garlic cloves, pressed
2 Tbsp. butter
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2/3 c. uncooked quick-cooking grits
1 1/4 c. (5 oz.) shredded Swiss cheese, divided
8 eggs
1/2 lb. cooked ham, diced
4 green onions, chopped
1/2 c. milk

Bring first 6 ingredients to a boil (water through pepper); gradually whisk in grits. Cover and reduce heat, simmer whisking occasionally for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 1/2 cup cheese, stirring until cheese melts; let stand 10 minutes.

Lightly beat 2 eggs and stir into grits mixture; pour into a greased 10-inch deep dish pie plate and bake at 350˚ for 20 minutes; remove from oven. Increase temperature to 400˚.

Sauté ham and onions in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Layer ham mixture evenly over grits crust. Whisk together milk and remaining 6 eggs; pour over ham mixture. Sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup cheese evenly over egg mixture.

Bake at 400˚ for 35 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes then cut into wedges.