Since last week's poll posed the question of "day or night games," I thought I'd do some good brunch fare since I'm a weirdo and actually prefer early games (seriously, if we kicked off every game at 11:30 I would be happy, sitting around waiting is too much for my nerves). Plus, I like breakfast food. Anyway, this is one you can put together the night before and just pop in the oven before everyone arrives and still be able to enjoy the game and hanging out.
Breakfast Casserole
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 lbs smoked sausage, sliced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (I used green, but use whatever you prefer)
6 English Muffins torn into 1" pieces
3 cups shredded cheese (I used sharp cheddar 'cause I had it, but pepper jack would probably be awesome in this)
12 large eggs
2 cups half and half
1/2 cup whole milkIn a large skillet heat oil over medium high heat. Add sausage and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add onions and bell pepper and cook until tender. In a 3 quart baking dish arrange english muffin pieces in a single layer. Layer in the sausage mixture, then the cheese.
In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, half and half and milk. Slowly pour egg mixture over over cheeses in baking dish. Cover and chill for at least 8 hours.* In the morning uncover the casserole and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour or until casserole is set. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent over browning. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
*note, this is the first time I've ever tried this, so really don't know how necessary the whole "let sit overnight" thing is, but did it anyway.