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Christmas Morning Breakfast Bake

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    Kids in the Kitchen
    Why not sleep in? This breakfast can be prepared the night before and slid into the oven the next morning. "If your house is like mine on holiday mornings -- full of excitement and chaos -- anything that can be done ahead of time helps keep the festivities flowing. This luscious breakfast fits the bill and, best of all, will satisfy adults and kids alike. Brew a big pot of coffee: It's a meal your guests will want to linger over."
    Everyday Food, December 2011
    • Prep Time 20 minutes
    • Total Time 1 1/4 hours, plus chilling
    • Yield Serves 10 to 12
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    Ingredients

    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 6 ounces Canadian bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 1 garlic clove, minced
    • 1 pound baby spinach (10 cups)
    • Coarse salt and ground pepper
    • 9 large eggs
    • 3 cups whole milk
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 8 cups 1 1/2-to-2-inch cubes Italian bread (from a 1-pound loaf)
    • 6 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)

    Directions

    1. Butter a 3-quart baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high. Add bacon, onion, and garlic and cook until onion is softened, about 2 minutes. Gradually add spinach to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

    2. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.

    3. Scatter half the bread in dish and top with half the spinach mixture and half the cheese. Top with remaining bread, spinach mixture, and cheese. Pour egg mixture into dish and gently press bread to submerge. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours (or up to overnight).

    4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Uncover dish and bake until bread is golden brown and custard is just set, 45 to 50 minutes (cover with foil if browning too quickly). Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

    Cook's Note

    Tips for Cooking with Kids: Let kids tear the bread into pieces instead of slicing it into cubes. Others will enjoy whisking the eggs and milk together and assembling the casserole.

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