Cheddar-Bacon Wake-Up Casserole |
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Prep Time: 35 Minutes Cook Time: 540 Minutes |
Ready In: 575 Minutes Servings: 25 |
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This wonderful make-ahead breakfast casserole will certainly please your palate.. Any of the 3 variations will be great! Serve this rich breakfast dish with a refreshing fruit salad. An eye-catching and tasty combination might include honeydew melon, oranges, and fresh raspberries drizzled with honey. CountryHome Magazine, Simple Every Day 12/2007-01/2008 edition. Ingredients:
4 ounces dry french bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (4 cups) |
1 3/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese |
4 slices bacon (crisp-cooked, drained, crumbled) or 4 slices turkey bacon (crisp-cooked, drained, crumbled) or 1 cup diced cooked ham |
2 cups milk |
4 eggs, lightly beaten |
2 tablespoons snipped fresh italian parsley (flat-leaf) |
1/2 teaspoon mustard |
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper |
1/8 teaspoon onion powder |
Directions:
1. In a large bowl toss together the bread cubes, cheddar cheese, and cooked bacon or ham.
2. Divide among six 10-ounce individual casseroles or place all of the mixture in one 2-quart rectangular baking dish.
3. In a medium bowl whisk together milk, eggs, parsley, mustard, pepper, and onion powder.
4. Pour over the bread mixture in the casseroles or dish.
5. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.
6. Bake, uncovered, in a 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes for individual baking casseroles (about 40 minutes for 2-quart dish) or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean.
7. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
8. GREEK VARIATION:.
9. Omit bacon or ham and substitute 6 ounces feta cheese and 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese for the cheddar cheese. Stir 1 cup drained and chopped canned or marinated artichoke hearts, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, and 2 tablespoons chopped kalamata olives (optional) into the bread mixture before putting into casseroles or baking dish. Continue as above.
10. MUSHROOM-SWEET PEPPER VARIATION:.
11. Cook 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms and 1/4 cup chopped onion in 1 tablespoon hot olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir mushroom mixture and 1/4 cup chopped roasted red sweet pepper into bread mixture before putting into casseroles or baking dish. Continue as above.
12. SAUSAGE AND PROVALONE VARIATION:.
13. Substitute 1 1/2 cups shredded Provolone or Italian cheese blend for the cheddar and 1 1/2 cups chopped fully cooked turkey Italian sausage links for the bacon. Substitute basil for the parsley.
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