Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
  • 6 cups day-old French bread, cubed
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced

Instructions:

  1. Brown the ground breakfast sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Note: This creates the flavor base.
  2. Sauté the diced onion and green bell pepper in the sausage fat until they are translucent.
  3. Drain the excess grease thoroughly. Note: Too much oil will make the custard separate.
  4. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the cubed French bread evenly across the bottom.
  5. Sprinkle the cooked sausage and vegetables over the bread cubes.
  6. Top the mixture with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  7. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg until the mixture is completely homogenous.
  8. Slowly pour the egg and milk custard over the bread, sausage, and cheese assembly. Wait until the liquid settles into every crevice.
  9. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.
  10. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.