FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE CASSEROLE

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the halal sausage over medium heat. Use a spatula to break up the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Grease the Baking Dish: While the sausage is cooking, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and help give it a golden crust.
3. Layer the Bread: Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. If the bread cubes are very fresh, you can leave them out for a few hours to dry out a little, or toast them lightly in the oven.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE EGG MIXTURE

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until fully blended. Add the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk again to combine all the ingredients into a smooth, even mixture.
2. Add the Sausage: Stir the cooked sausage into the egg mixture. This ensures the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
3. Add the Cheese: Stir in 1½ cups of the shredded cheese into the egg and sausage mixture. The cheese will melt into the casserole as it bakes, creating pockets of cheesy goodness.

THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE

1. Pour the Egg Mixture: Pour the egg and sausage mixture over the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down into the egg mixture, ensuring that all the bread is soaked.
2. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a golden, cheesy crust as it bakes.
3. Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate the casserole for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, making it soft and custardy when baked.

FOURTH STEP: BAKE THE CASSEROLE

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 30 minutes before baking the casserole. This ensures the casserole cooks evenly.
2. Bake the Casserole: Remove the plastic wrap or foil from the casserole, and bake it in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The casserole should be set in the middle, with a slight golden crust on top.
3. Cool Before Serving: Once baked, let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows it to firm up a bit, making it easier to serve.

FINAL STEP: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Slice and Serve: Slice the casserole into squares or rectangles and serve hot. You can enjoy it as-is or pair it with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a side salad for a complete breakfast.