Egg & Sausage Strata

You may be wondering what a strata is. Around these parts, we call them breakfast casseroles, which I LOVE when we have breakfast potlucks.

This one is so simple and a keeper. If you do not have time to allow for overnight refrigeration, it still comes out great.

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground sausage - I use HOT sausage.
6 eggs
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon mustard - I use Creole Dijon.
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
6 slices bread, cut into cubes - I use wheat.
2 cups shredded cheese - I use sharp cheddar.

Instructions:
Cook sausage in a pan over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up large chunks as much as possible. Remove from heat and drain well.

Beat eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl with a whisk or hand mixer on medium speed until mixture is smooth.

Add bread, cheese, and sausage to the egg mixture and stir/fold until solids are coated with the egg mixture and the cheese is mixed in. Spray the bottom and sides of a 13 X 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray and pour in the mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.