Cheesy Breakfast Casserole

Before you go on, there are a few things you should know about this recipe.
#1-You can't just get up on a Sunday morning and think "Gee!  Breakfast Casserole would be really good right about now!".  It doesn't work that way.  Enjoying Breakfast Casserole on Sunday morning requires thinking about it on Saturday, first.  For one thing, stale bread is a must-have.  For another thing, every recipe I've ever run across for a casserole of this nature requires overnight refrigeration.  Think of it this way, food this tasty requires advance planning.
#2-This recipe will blow every diet you have ever thought about starting.  It's chock full of the three deadliest diet sins; carbs, fats, and calories.  So, plan to spend some time on the treadmill while the oven is preheating...
#3-It's worth it...on all counts.

What's In It:


4 c. cubed stale bread (Most recipes specify white bread but that isn't necessary.  Sourdough is good, if you're feeling particularly adventurous, go with Rye!  You can "create" stale bread in your oven, but it really isn't the same.  Plan ahead, or go to a local bread store.  Some of them sell stale bread.  Better yet...some of them cube it for you!)
2 c. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (If you're buying it bagged, buy the smaller size)
2 12-oz. cans evaporated milk
1 lb. breakfast sausage (I prefer "hot" or "sage" flavor)
10 lg. eggs, beaten slightly (Thank you Chloe, Sylvia, Pat, and Lucy!)
1/4 c. minced sweet onion
1 tsp. dry mustard (Key ingredient)
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Dash cayenne powder

How To Make It:


Cook sausage in large skillet, crumbling it as it browns.  Drain.
Butter 13x9 baking dish.
Pour bread cubes into prepared dish.
Top with shredded cheese.
In medium bowl, combine milk, eggs, mustard, onion, and seasoning.
Pour over bread and cheese.
Sprinkle sausage on top.  Cover.
Refrigerate overnight.
Bake at 325 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes.  (You may need to cover with aluminum foil for last few minutes of baking if cheese on top browns too quickly.)
Allow to sit for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm.