Breakfast Casserole

This is generally a Christmas Morning tradition, but I made this a couple of weeks ago when we rented a house with friends for their daughters' wedding.  My kids look forward to this after opening up a few gifts on Christmas Day.  But it is not just for Christmas.  This is great for gathers, tailgating, or just a lazy weekend morning.  The casserole is prepped the day before and bakes for about an hour.  

My favorite sausage to use is Jimmy Dean's breakfast sausage with sage. You can added peppers and onions if you wish.  So, Thank You Paula Deen!  I love this casserole. 

From Christmas with Paula Deen

5 slices thick sliced white bread, crust and all, buttered and cubed

1 pound pork sausage, cooked crumbled, and drained (I prefer Jimmy Dean with Sage Flavoring)

3 cups grated extra sharp Cheddar cheese

4 eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon hot sauce

Spray a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.  Place the bread cubes in the casserole.  Evenly distribute the sausage over the bread cubes. Sprinkle evenly with the cheese.  combine the eggs, milk, mustard, salt and the hot sauce and mix well.

Pour the egg mixture over the bread. cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and allow it to sit on the counter for 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the plastic wrap, place the casserole in the oven and bake for 1 hour.