Italian Breakfast Strata

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 loaves French or Italian bread, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• cayenne, a few shakes
• dried Italian herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
• 1 pound baby spinach
• 12 large eggs
• milk, as needed
• half of a shredded fontina cheese (or similar cheese like Monterey Jack or mild cheddar)

Method

1. Cut bread into 1 inch cubes and spread into a dish, let sit overnight to stale.
2. Cook Italian sausage in a pan with olive oil over medium heat until browned, then add diced onion and cook until translucent. Season with salt, black pepper, cayenne, and Italian herbs. Transfer to a bowl.
3. In the same pan, add a tablespoon of sausage fat, then wilt spinach until bright green. Transfer to a strainer, squeeze out water, and chop.
4. In a bowl, whisk together 12 large eggs with salt, then add milk gradually while mixing.
5. Layer bread cubes in a greased casserole dish, then add half of sausage mixture, half of spinach, and half of shredded cheese. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
6. Pour egg mixture evenly over layers, then top with remaining cheese.
7. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
8. Bake in a 350°F oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes until top is lightly browned and internal temperature reaches at least 150°F.
9. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.