A boon to the frugal cook, this brunch or supper dish is best made with slightly stale French or other hearty bread. The seasonings can be varied to suit your taste. For a real eye-opener, try cajun spice mix and spicy cheese.
Yield:
10 servingsIngredients
5 large eggs
3 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon thyme (or other herb of your choice)
soft butter (not melted)
about 12 slices firm bread, crusts removed
3/4 pound cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 pound cubed ham or chicken
Instructions
Combine eggs, milk, and thyme in a shallow bowl and whisk until blended. Butter one side of the bread, dip about half the slices in the egg mixture, and use to cover the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. (If necessary, cut bread into triangles to fit pan.) Sprinkle with half the cheese and half the meat. Top with the remaining buttered bread, then the remaining cheese and meat. Pour remaining egg mixture over the top, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 1 hour. Let sit 15 minutes before serving.
