Sausage Breakfast Casserole

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage

• 7 eggs

• 2 cups half and half

• 1 t salt

• 1/2 t pepper

• 1 1/2 t ground mustard powder

• 1/2 tb fresh minced thyme plus more for garnish

• 8 slices day old Italian bread cut into one inch cubes

• 1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in sausage.

Cook and stir until sausage is cooked through, evenly browned, and no longer pink, about 10 minutes.

Drain and set aside.

Beat eggs in a large bowl

Stir in milk, salt, and mustard.

Add bread cubes, cheese, and sausage into egg mixture.

Pour into a greased 7x11-inch baking dish.

Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Remove casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.

Bake in preheated oven until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Garnish with thyme.