Baked Sausage-Stuffed French Toast

1 package (12 ounces) maple breakfast sausages, casings removed

6 eggs

⅔

cup milk

¼

cup maple syrup

8 slices oat bread

12 slices sharp cheddar cheese

Coat a 9-by-9-inch baking pan or a small casserole dish with cooking spray.

In a medium saute pan over medium-high, crumble the sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess oil in the pan, then set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and maple syrup.

To assemble: Fit 4 slices of the bread into the bottom of the prepared pan. You may need to trim the bread. Arrange the sausage over the bread, then top with 6 slices of the cheese, breaking the slices as needed to arrange a single layer over all of the sausage and bread.

Arrange the remaining bread over the cheese, then top with the remaining cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the top. At this point, the pan can be covered and refrigerated overnight, if desired.

To cook: Heat the oven to 375 degrees and let the French toast rest for 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the egg. Bake 30-40 minutes, or until puffy, golden brown and set. Serve warm.

Serves nine.

@Recipe nutrition:Nutrition values per serving: 438 calories, 31 g fat (14 g saturated), 19 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 19 g protein, 184 mg cholesterol, 798 mg sodium.

Associated Press