(To make this vegetarian omit the sausage and add sauteed shallots in with the eggs.
12 oz sausage
2 large shallots minced
1 T butter
12 to 16 ½ inch thick slices of day old French bread (enough
to make 2 layers in your casserole)
6 oz shredded sharp cheddar
10 large eggs
2 ½ cups half-and-half
½ t salt
¼ t ground pepper
In a hot skillet, add sausage and break apart with wooden spoon for approximately 4 minutes. Add shallots and cook 2 more minutes. Set aside. Butter a 9 x 13 inch pan and line bottom with half of the bread. Top bread with half sausage and onion and half the grated cheese. Layer with more bread, sausage, and then cheese. Combine eggs, half-and-half, salt, and pepper. Whisk and pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Bake uncovered for approximately 1 hour at 325F degrees. Enjoy!