Linda -

I think this recipe would serve 6 people nicely with the bread, sausage, eggs, cheese, etc. It would be nice served with fresh fruit, like melon, fresh strawberries, etc. And, no, I do not think you need to remove the crust from the bread. I would just make sure the crusts are torn in bite-size pieces.

Good questions, Linda. Oh, and there are some overnight french toast receipes already posted here on TKL you might like to look at too. Yummy!
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Breakfast Or Brunch Casserole

6 slices bread, no crusts
1/2 stick margarine
1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
5 eggs, beaten well
2 cups half and half
1 pound hot sausage
1 teaspoon salt

Cook sausage and drain well.

Melt margarine in 9x13-inch baking dish. Tear bread in pieces and sprinkle over margarine.
Sprinkle drained sausage, cooked well done, over bread crumbs. Sprinkle cheese over sausage. Beat eggs with half and half and salt; pour over mixture.

Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight. Bake at 350° for 45 - 50 minutes.