CHEESY HAM & BACON BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Cheesy Ham & Bacon Breakfast Casserole image

Provided by Tere Gill

Time 2h15m

Number Of Ingredients 12

5 large croissants (stale, torn/cut bite-size)
2 thick slice Italian bread (stale, torn bite-size)
1 1/2 c leftover baked ham, chopped bite-size
1 large shallot, minced
6 oz baby Swiss cheese, shredded or chopped
3 to 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded/chopped
4 large eggs
2 c milk (whole or 2%)
3/4 to 1 tsp Jane's Krazy Mixed Up Salt (or your favorite seasoned salt)
1/8 c sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1/8 to 1/4 c real, finely crumbled smoked bacon bits
1 Tbsp minced fresh chives

Steps:

1. The evening before, gather and prep ingredients.
2. Spray a 13" x 9" baking dish with butter flavored cooking oil spray or grease with real butter.
3. Evenly distribute torn croissants and bread in baking dish.
4. Evenly distribute chopped ham, minced shallots, baby Swiss and Monterey Jack over bread; set aside.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 eggs and about 1/2 cup of the milk, until well blended; whisk in the salt; add remainder of milk in several stages, whisking well after each.
6. Slowly pour milk mixture all over the casserole.
7. Scatter small amount of extra-sharp cheddar over casserole. Lightly press down on the casserole with large spoon or impeccably clean hands (as Julia Child would say!) to help the bread soak up the liquid.
8. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil; place in refrigerator overnight.
9. The next day, approximately 1 1/4 hours before mealtime, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
10. Remove casserole from refrigerator; temporarily remove foil; scatter finely crumbled bacon over top.
11. Cover with foil; place casserole dish on a baking sheet; bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, remove foil, rotate baking sheet and bake, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes.
12. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then scatter chives over the top. Serve immediately. Cover and refrigerate leftovers.