1/4 cup softened butter
1 pound ground sausage
15 inch long loaf Italian bread
1 minced clove garlic
24 eggs
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/4 cups finely chopped scallions
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 375°F. Generously butter 9x13 inch baking dish. Brown sausage in skillet and drain. Cool sausage to room temperature. Cut half of bread loaf into 1 inch thick slices. Pulse butter and garlic together in food processor till smooth. Spread thin layer on both sides of each bread slice. Arrange slices in one layer in prepared dish. Sprinkle sausage over top. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper till frothy. Whisk in scallions and half of cheese. Pour egg mixture over sausage. Bread will float to the top. Push down on bread to help it absorb liquid. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover with sheet of buttered foil. Bake 30 minutes. Carefully remove foil and bake 20 minutes longer till top is slightly puffed and eggs are cooked through in center. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.