Grits-and-Greens Breakfast Bake

Prep / Total :  2 hours               Makes 8 servings
This dish combines breakfast favorites grits and eggs with tried-and-true Southen collard greens. Make simple simple collard greens up to three days ahead for simple prep before mealtime.
Give yourself a head start: Make Simple Collard Greens up to three days ahead.

1                teaspoon salt
1-1/2         cups uncooked quick-cooking grits
1                cup (4 oz.) shredded white Cheddar cheese 
3                tablespoons butter 
1/2             cup half-and-half
1/4             teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
1/4             teaspoon ground red pepper
10              large eggs, divided (not separated)
3                cups simple collard greens , drained  (recipe below)                      
 **Hot sauce (optional)**

1.          Preheat oven to 375°. Bring salt and 4 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; gradually whisk in grits. Reduce heat to medium, and cook, whisking often, 5 to 7 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat, and stir in cheese and butter.
2.         Whisk together half-and-half, next 2 ingredients, and 2 eggs in a medium bowl. Stir half-and-half mixture into grits mixture. Stir in Simple Collard Greens. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
3.         Bake at 375° for 25 to 30 minutes or until set. Remove from oven.
4.         Make 8 indentations in grits mixture with back of a large spoon. Break remaining 8 eggs, 1 at a time, and slip 1 egg into each indentation. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until eggs are cooked to desired degree of doneness. Cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let stand 10 minutes. Serve with hot sauce, if desired.

Simple Collard Greens :
1/2             medium-size sweet onion, chopped 
2                tablespoons olive
1                (16-oz.) package fresh collard greens, washed, trimmed, and chopped
1-1/2          teaspoons salt

Cook onion in hot oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until tender. Add collard greens, salt, and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes or until tender.