Bakin’ With SAUSAGE and New Years Breakfast!

Greetings in the new year from your King!   However today I am going to temporarily be your KING OF SAUSAGE instead of bacon!

That’s right – you’re not seeing things – I’m actually using SPICY sausage in today’s recipe.   This is a classic New Year’s Day breakfast and is one of THE ROYAL MOM’S favorite yummy casseroles since it uses spicy sausage (which she loves).     So because I like to stay in good with the Royal Mom, I’m making a sausage casserole this morning – but trust me – you’re gonna love it too!

Yes I know that this calls for Ciabatta bread which is a delicious Italian white bread made from wheat flour, water, salt, yeast and olive oil, created in 1982 by a baker in Adria, province of Rovigo, Veneto, Italy, in response to the popularity of French baguettes. Ciabatta is somewhat elongated, broad, and flat, and is baked in many variations, although unique for its holes!    I believe you can use any other bread you like that’s a nice “crusty loaf” – even a Baguette would work……our grocery HAS ciabatta bread in the bakery section but not everyone has access so that’s why I say – use another bread if you need to….!

New Years Day Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients (this is a large casserole for a group – reduce amounts for smaller casserole)

• 10oz ciabatta bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups)
• 2 cups milk
• 8 eggs
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
• 1 lb bulk spicy pork sausage
• 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
• Additional chopped fresh oregano leaves

Steps

• 1 On 17×12-inch half-sheet pan, place bread cubes. Let stand uncovered 8 hours to dry.
• 2 In large bowl, mix milk, eggs and 1 tablespoon oregano. Add bread to egg mixture, stirring to coat. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour.
• 3 Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 12-inch skillet, cook sausage, onion and bell pepper 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until sausage is no longer pink. Drain.
• 4 Add sausage mixture and 1 cup of the cheese to bread mixture, stirring well. Pour into baking dish; sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese.
• 5 Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until center is set and cheese is bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes. Sprinkle with additional oregano.

MmmmmmMMMM – GOOD!

From my castle to yours – Happy New Year……

I am the Bacon King…..just today I’m temporary your Sausage King!