Breakfast Strata

Taken from HERE and modified to make it better.

Apple, Sausage, and Smoked Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

Serves 6 to 8

1 pound uncooked spicy breakfast sausage (loose)

3 cups sourdough bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

2-3 medium firm apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch chunks

8-12 ounces smoked cheddar (or better, gouda) cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

12 large eggs

1 cup 1%milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 scallions, green part only, sliced thin

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 375°F.

Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet and cook the breakfast sausage according to the package instructions. Transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, and set the skillet aside without draining. Cook most of the apples in the remaining fat over medium-high heat to brown them and remove some liquid.

Add the cut sausage, bread, remaining apples, and cheddar to the apples in skillet, and mix everything together.

Break the eggs into the large mixer bowl and add the milk, cream, Dijon, and pepper. Mix at high speed until well blendePour the eggs into the skillet.

Bake until the eggs are set and top is light golden-brown, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Top with scallions and serve hot.