Sausage and Apple Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients:
· 3 large Granny Smith or Honey Crisp apples, peeled, cored and chopped
· 2 tablespoons sugar
· 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
· 8 eggs
· 3 cups milk
· 1 teaspoon vanilla
· 8 cups bread cubes (can use French, cinnamon, wheat or combination)
· 1 package maple flavored sausage (recommend Jimmy Dean), cooked and crumbled
· 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
2. Beat together eggs, milk and vanilla in a large bowl until well blended. Add bread cubes, sausage, 1½ cups cheese and apple mixture. Stir gently until evenly coated.
3. Spoon into a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.
Can serve with maple syrup if desired.