Southern Charm Bake

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2 -Grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.

Step 3 -In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it is crisp.

Step 4 -Transfer the pan away from the heat and use a slotted spoon to place the cooked bacon onto paper towels.

Step 5 -Add the water, the chicken stock, the garlic powder, and the pepper to the bacon drippings and bring to a boil.

Step 6 -Slowly stir the grits into the chicken stock mixture, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook, covered, while stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7 -Transfer the pan from the heat.

Step 8 -Add the Velveeta™ and the butter to the grits mixture and stir until the cheese and the butter have melted.

Step 9 -Stir the milk into the grits mixture.

Step 10 -Slowly stir the eggs into the grits mixture until they are blended.

Step 11 -Transfer the casserole into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the cooked bacon and the cheddar cheese.

Step 12 -Bake, uncovered, until the edges are golden-brown and the cheese has melted, about 40-45 minutes.

Step 13 -Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes.

Step 14 -Serve with the parsley.