Description
A delicious and hearty bread and cheese casserole perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 cups day-old bread cubes
- 10 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cut the bread into bite-size cubes. If the bread is fresh, toast it at 300°F for 10 to 12 minutes until slightly dry.
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the diced onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add half of the bread cubes to the baking dish, then layer with half of the ham, onion, cheddar, and mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining bread, ham, onion, and cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers and gently press the bread down so it absorbs the custard.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best texture.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and let the dish sit at room temperature while the oven heats.
- Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until puffed, golden, and set in the center.
- Rest for 10 minutes, sprinkle with fresh parsley, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding spices or herbs of your choice.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- The longer you let it sit before baking, the more the bread will absorb the egg mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 195mg