Italian Pumpkin Strata

prep time:: 20 min
cook time:: 40 min
total time:: 1 hour

Makes 12 serving

Nestle

Dense and creamy this vegetable-filled strata employs bread, cheese, milk, pumpkin and eggs to create a moist and delicious casserole you can cut into squares or wedges and serve with a platter of fresh fruit for a smashing brunch!

ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
12 cups (about 1 pound loaf) 1 1/2-inch cubes Italian or French bread
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cans (12 fluid ounces each) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
1 can (15 ounces) LIBBY’S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed

directions

1
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
2
HEAT oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, onion, bell peppers and garlic. Cook, stirring to break up sausage, for 7 to 10 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink; drain.
3
COMBINE bread cubes, cheese and sausage mixture in a large bowl. Beat evaporated milk, pumpkin, eggs, salt, pepper, oregano, basil and marjoram in medium bowl. Pour over bread mixture, stirring gently to moisten bread. Pour into prepared baking pan.
4
BAKE for 30 to 35 minutes or until set. Serve warm.

Source: NESTLÉ - Very Best Baking