Recipe: Vegetable, Cheese, and Sausage Bread Pudding (make ahead)

VEGETABLE, CHEESE, AND SAUSAGE BREAD PUDDING

"Sauteed vegetables, lean sausage, and eggs are baked and topped with Gruyere cheese to make this savory breakfast casserole. This is a great addition to a buffet luncheon; make it the night before to allow you more time for last-minute details, like sleeping in!"

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely diced
2 cups sliced zucchini
10 ounces wild or white mushrooms, sliced
1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
3/4 cup fresh or frozen canned artichoke hearts, diced
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 fresh chicken, turkey, or pork sausages
5 eggs at room temperature
4 cups milk or half-and-half
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Gruyere or sharp Cheddar cheese, divided use
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons minced fresh chopped rosemary, or 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 large day-old loaf Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with vegetable-oil cooking spray or butter.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil and saute the onion for 3 to 4 minutes, or until translucent.

Add the zucchini, mushrooms, bell pepper, artichoke hearts, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat; set aside.

Remove the sausage meat from the casings. In a medium skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain off the fat and add the sausage to the vegetables in the large skillet; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, 3/4 cup of the Gruyere cheese, the Parmesan, oregano, rosemary, mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until thoroughly blended.

Add the bread cubes the prepared baking dish and gently stir in the vegetable mixture. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables. Cover with the remaining cheese (or cover and refrigerate overnight before adding the remaining cheese.)

WHEN READY TO BAKE:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbly.

Makes 6 servings
Source: San Francisco Flavors by the Junior League of San Francisco