See instructions for drying bread and/or assembling ahead are below, as well as adding optional vegetables.

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. Place bread in prepared dish. Top bread with sausage or ham and cheese.

In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, milk, mustard, and salt and pepper as desired. Pour over sausage mixture. (May be prepared 1 day ahead and refrigerated until ready to cook.)

Bake casserole until puffed and center is set, about 45 – 50 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes and room temperature, then cut into squares.

Optional Vegetables: If desired, saute in about a tablespoon of butter or oil about 1 1/2 to 2 cups vegetables. Bell pepper, onion, and mushroom all work very well. Sprinkle over the ham or sausage layer, then add cheese and proceed with the recipe.

Preparing the Bread:

If there is a safe place to do so,  bread cubes may be dried in the open air for at least 8 hours or overnight. If not, dry in the oven on a large sheet tray (or two) at 250 degrees F. for 20 to 30 minutes, redistributing every 10 minutes. Do not allow to brown. Remove promptly and cool before proceeding.

Assembling Ahead:

The casserole can be prepared ahead, but hold the cheese until ready to bake. To bake, remove from the fridge about an hour before ready to bake, and when ready to bake, add the cheese on top and continue with the recipe.