The "strata" in this classic casserole are layers of bread, cheese and sausage baked in an egg-rich pudding.

Makes 12 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 3 1/4 hours (including 2 hours standing time)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1/2 pound turkey breakfast sausage (four 2-ounce links), casing removed
2 medium onions, chopped (2 cups)
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced (1 1/2 cups)
12 large eggs
4 cups 1% milk
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
6 cups cubed, whole-wheat country bread (about 7 slices, crusts removed)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 cups grated Swiss cheese (4 ounces)

1. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish (or similar shallow 3-quart baking dish) with cooking spray.
2. Cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, crumbling with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Add onions and bell pepper to the pan and cook, stirring often, until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Whisk eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a large bowl until blended.
4. Spread bread in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the sausage and the onion mixture evenly over the bread. Brush with mustard. Sprinkle with cheese. Pour in the egg mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the strata, uncovered, until puffed, lightly browned and set in the center, 55 to 65 minutes. Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving hot.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 256 calories; 13 g fat (5 g sat, 4 g mono); 236 mg cholesterol; 19 g carbohydrate; 17 g protein; 2 g fiber; 522 mg sodium.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (72% daily value), Calcium (23% dv).

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Prepare through Step 4 the night before serving.