Easy & Comforting Cheesy Grits Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 cup coarse cornmeal (grits)
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled (optional)