Breakfast Strata

Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 lb ground pork sausage
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 8 cups cubed French bread
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 cup shredded gouda
• 10 large eggs
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• chopped fresh thyme (garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole diah.

2. 2

   Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. When it is about halfway browned, add the sausage and shallots. Cook until the bacon is crisp, the sausage is browned, and the shallots are soft. Layer half the mixture in the bottom of the prepared dish.

3. 3

   Add half of the cubed bread, half the shredded cheese, the remaining bacon/sausage mixture, and the rest of the bread cubes.

4. 4

   In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, dry mustard, ground nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme.

5. 5

   Pour the custard over the casserole and sprinkle a little fresh thyme over the dish. Using a spatula, press down on the top of the dish to push the bread cubes into the custard. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 1 hour up to overnight.

6. 6

   Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the casserole is set and lightly browned. A knife or toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean.