Breakfast Bake

(Courtesy of Jamie Deen)

Ingredients:
Butter, for greasing pan
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. hot Italian turkey sausage (casings removed)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 lb. loaf rustic French or Italian bread, cut into 1 inch thick cubes
2 c. grated Gruyere cheese
6 large eggs
2 c. whole milk
1 c. heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh chives plus more for garnish, sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
Butter a 4 quart baking dish.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.  Once hot, add the sausage, onions and bell peppers.  Cook, while stirring, until the sausage is cooked through and crumbly and the onions and pepper are soft, about 6 minutes.

Add the bread to the prepared baking dish.  Stir in the sausage and pepper mixture and the cheese, reserving a bit of the cheese for the top.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, chives and some salt and pepper.  Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and give it a little stir to make sure it is evenly distributed.  Sprikle with the reserved cheese.  Cover with plastic wrap and let soak for 30 minutes.

Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes.  Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Bake until the top is puffed and golden and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 1 hour.  Garnish with more chopped chives before serving.

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