Step 1

Grease (or spray with cooking spray) a 9-in. x 13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Cook and crumble the sausage with the peppers in a skillet over medium-high heat until the sausage is cooked through. Drain. Return the sausage mixture to the pan and add the sun-dried tomatoes. Set aside.

Step 3

Place the bread cubes in a very large bowl.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and basil. Stir the sausage mixture into the bread. Add 1 cup of the cheese and mix well. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Reserve the remaining 1 cup of cheese for later use. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight - or at least 8 hours.

Step 5

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 6

Sprinkle the strata with the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Spray one side of a piece of aluminum foil big enough to cover the dish with cooking spray and place sprayed side down over the casserole. Seal.

Step 7

Bake covered for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Step 8

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.