1 lb. country style or breakfast sausage
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 - 1 tsp. salt (or, to taste)
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. dry mustard powder
6 slices white bread
5 eggs
2 cups half and half
butter

Cooks Note: Milk, Evaporated milk or light cream may be used in place of half and half (half milk/half cream). Or substitute 1 cup sour cream plus 1 cup milk.

In a skillet, sauté sausage until no longer pink; drain. Season with salt and pepper.

Butter the bread on both sides and remove crusts.

Arrange bread to cover the bottom of a 9X13-inch baking pan. Cover with a layer of the sausage, then top with cheese. Combine remaining ingredients and pour evenly over layers in pan.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight so that the bread can absorb the egg.

Bake at 350°F for 40-50 minutes.

Variation: Use chopped country ham instead of sausage.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Submitted by: CM