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1
Position an oven rack on the middle level and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
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2
Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or shallow ovenproof dish.
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3
Have ready a pan that is larger but not as deep.
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4
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, heat the butter and oil.
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5
Add the onion and cook just until it starts to soften, 3 to 4 minutes.
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6
Add the sausage and cook until the pieces just start to brown, about 6 minutes.
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7
Set aside.
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8
Spread a loose layer of the bread cubes in the baking pan.
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9
Sprinkle about two-thirds of the sausage mixture evenly over the bread.
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10
Cover with another layer of the bread cubes.
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11
(If you have removed the crust from the bread, you will probably need all of the cubes; if not, there will be some left.)
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12
Top with the remaining sausage mixture.
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13
In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the eggs, milk and a pinch of salt.
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14
Pour the mixture over the casserole.
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15
Press down lightly on the cubes to help them absorb the egg custard.
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16
Set aside for 15 minutes, then top with the grated cheese.
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17
Place the large pan in the oven and the bread pudding pan inside it.
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18
Add enough hot water to the larger pan to come halfway up the side of the inside pan.
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19
Bake until fully set and lightly brown, 45 to 50 minutes.
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20
Let sit for 5 minutes, then serve.
