Bagel Egg Strata

Submitted by Chantal Tom
You need to allow 4-24 hours for it to sit in the fridge before baking.

1/4 C. butter or margarine, melted
8 C. plain bagels cut into bite size pieces (approx. 6 bagels)
1 pkg. of Jimmy Dean reduced fat sausage
8 oz. Swizz cheese (shredded or torn up)
8 eggs, beaten
2 C. milk
1 C. cottage cheese

Cook sausage and set aside.
Place melted butter in a 3-quart rectangular baking dish, spreading to cover the bottom. Spread bagel pieces evenly in prepared dish.
Sprinkle sausage and Swizz cheese evenly over bagel pieces.
In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, and cottage cheese. Pour over layers in dish.
Press down gently using the back of a wooden spoon to moisten all the ingredients. (I like to smoosh it all together with my fingers so the cottage cheese, sausage, and cheese aren't just sitting on the top of the bagels.)
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake, uncovered, about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until set and edges are puffed and golden. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Makes 12 servings.

Chantal made this for Baby Lucy's Blessing Brunch. It was very delicious, I had to have the recipe!! Instead of layering the ingredients in the pan, I just mixed everything in a large bowl then poured in into the baking dish. Worked out great!