Make-Ahead Italian Sausage Brunch Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 (8-oz.) pkg. sweet Italian sausage
• 8 green onions, sliced (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium-size zucchini, diced (about 3 cups)
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• 1 (7-oz.) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped
• 1 (16-oz.) Italian bread loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
• 8 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
• 6 large eggs
• 1½ cups milk

Instructions

1. 1Remove the sweet Italian sausage from its casings. Brown the meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon until no pink remains. Drain the excess fat and return the sausage to the pan.
2. 2Add the sliced green onions, diced zucchini, kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the chopped roasted red bell peppers, then remove from the heat and let the mixture cool.
3. 3Lightly grease a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Scatter half of the Italian bread cubes across the bottom in an even layer. Cover the bread with half of the cooled sausage and vegetable mixture, followed by half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers once more with the rest of the bread, sausage, and cheese.
4. 4Whisk the eggs and milk together in a separate bowl until smooth. Pour this liquid evenly over the layered casserole so the bread can absorb it. Cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate for 8 hours. This resting time allows the bread to fully hydrate for a tender center.
5. 5Preheat the oven to 325°F. Leave the casserole covered and bake for about 1 hour, or until the edges are bubbling and the center is set.

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