Flavorful Breakfast Casserole

 Flavorful Breakfast Casserole

4 c. crusty bread cubes (Sourdough, French or Italian bread works well.)

1 tsp. olive oil

1 lb. spicy pork sausage

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

3/4 c. chopped onion

2 garlic cloves

2 c. chopped bell pepper

1 c. chopped mushrooms

1 c. roughly chopped fresh spinach

12 large eggs

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2/3 c. whole milk

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Cut the bread into cubes.  Bake on a baking sheet at 300 degrees for 10 minutes until it is slightly crisp.  Grease a 9” x 13” baking dish.  Arrange the bread cubes in an even layer in the bottom of the pan.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the sausage and Italian seasoning.  Break up the sausage as it cooks into bite size pieces.  Peel and chop the garlic. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, chopped garlic and spinach and cook until softened. Remove the sausage/vegetable mixture from the heat and spread over the top of the bread.  Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture in the pan.

Whisk the eggs, salt, pepper and milk  together.  Pour evenly over the sausage/vegetable mixture.  Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.

When ready to bake:  Take the casserole out of the refrigerator while preheating the oven to 375 degrees.  Uncover the casserole and bake until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 40 - 45 minutes.  Let set for 5 minutes then serve.