Strata!!

So you have bread, eggs, sausage, cheese...why not through all those together to make a creamy cheesy soufflelike dream?!  I was bored with eating these ingredients separately so decided to try a recipe out of a book given to me as wedding gift called, "The Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook" by Mary Corpening Barber & Sara Corpening Whiteford.  Please give it a try and you'll fall in love with this for a Saturday brunch  idea.

Sausage and Cheddar Cheese Strata

Serves 8 to 10

1 1/2 Pounds Ground Breakfast Sausage(12 oz hot, 12 oz regular)
4 eggs beaten
2 1/2  Cups Half-and-Half
1 Teaspoon Dried Sage
3/4 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper
6 Potato Bread or other soft white Bread Slices Crusts Removed
2 cups(6oz) Grated Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Chives, Flat-Leaf Parsley, Or Green Onion, Both white and green parts

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-by-2 baking dish.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Put the sausage in the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly browned, 5 to 7 minutes.  Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, sage, kosher salt, and pepper in a  medium bowl.  Layer the bread in the prepared baking dish and top with the sausage.  Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and top with the cheese.  Bake until the strata is set in the middle, about 30 minutes.  Do not overcook. Let cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Garnish with the chives just before serving.