CHEDDAR, VEGETABLE AND SAUSAGE STRATA

Cheddar, Vegetable and Sausage Strata image

Yield Makes 6 generous servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

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9 1-inch-thick slices French bread (each about 3x5 inches)
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups half and half
2 cups (packed) grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2 x 1/4-inch strips
15 cherry tomatoes, halved
6 ounces smoked sausage (such as kielbasa), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons minced onion
Chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

Butter 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Fit 8 bread slices in prepared dish. Cut remaining bread slice into 1-inch cubes; fit cubes into any empty spaces. Whisk eggs, mustard, basil and salt in medium bowl to blend; whisk in half and half. Ladle custard over bread. Cover; chill at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Sprinkle mixture in dish with black pepper. Top with half of cheese, then bell pepper, tomatoes, sausage, onion and remaining cheese. Cover loosely with foil. Bake 20 minutes. Remove foil. Bake until strata is set and springy to touch, about 20 minutes longer. Cool 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.