Serve this breakfast casserole with fresh fruit and your favorite morning hot beverage.

Savory Breakfast Bread Pudding with Colby

1 pound pork breakfast sausage
1 cup onion, chopped
8 cups seven-grain bread or other whole grain bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) Wisconsin Colby Cheese, shredded - divided use
4 large eggs, slightly beaten
3 1/4 cups milk
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried sage leaves, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground

1. In a large skillet, brown the sausage and onions; drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, onions, bread cubes, and 1 cup of the cheese; toss to combine.
3. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, milk, sage, salt, and pepper. Pour over the bread mixture; mix well. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Lightly grease 13x9-inch baking dish. Pour bread mixture into baking dish.
6. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until golden brown and center is set.
7. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake another 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
8. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.