Apple Cheddar and Sausage Strata

For Mother's Day brunch, I wanted to make something special. However, I'm not a big breakfast fan, I'm happy with oatmeal and a banana, so I had to really think it through. I thought I'd make a strata because it's simple and can be done ahead of time. I wanted to come up with a flavor combo that was somewhat traditional, but also savory and sweet. I came up with apple, sausage and cheddar, and it was so good! I used a mixture of oat wheat bread and sourdough, which made it taste great! I actually made 2 versions, a vegetarian (just no sausage) and then a regular. This did take a long time to cook, but it was just like I like it, crispy on the outside and custardy (but not soggy/runny) in the middle.

Apple, Cheddar and Sausage Strata

1 loaf of sourdough bread, cubed

1 loaf of oat wheat bread, cubed

2 granny smith apples, quartered, cored and sliced

1 8 oz. brick sharp cheddar, diced

1 8 oz. tube of reduced fat Jimmy Dean pork sausage, browned and crumbled

4 c. organic whole milk

1 dozen eggs

Salt and Pepper

Pinch of cayenne

Note: This recipe made 2 casseroles, but only 1 had sausage. For 1 casserole, half recipe but keep sausage the same, or both with sausage, double the sausage.

Spray two casserole dishes with nonstick spray.

Add half the bread in each dish.

Add one apple in each and the sausage in one.

Add 1/4 the cheese to each casserole, mix the casserole ingredients.

In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, salt, pepper and cayenne.

Pour half the egg mixture over each, gently press down so the bread is saturated.

Cover with the remaining cheese.

Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, place uncovered casseroles in oven on the top shelf.

Cook for 60-90 minutes, or until set in the middle.

If it browns too much, cover and continue to cook.

A Year Ago: Justa Fad Pizza