Aaahhhh make ahead breakfast casseroles, my new best friend!

Hey, they're not just for Christmas anymore guys! Or maybe that was just me. For some reason the only time I whipped out these tasty casseroles was over Christmas/New Year. I have no idea why.

Possibly it is because that is when I was so busy shopping, wrapping, shuttling kids around, partying, and so many other things, breakfast was something I didn't want to think about. I just wanted to be able to heat and serve.

So I seriously have not made one of these casseroles in years!

Then Kevin started working nights (oh don't even get me started on how much that fact really drives me crazy) and our sleeping and meal schedule just kind of went out the window. We have been struggling to A) find the right rhythm so we can spend time together, but he gets enough sleep for work, and  B) figuring out what meals he wants and when.

Because his schedule is flipped from mine, he is getting home from work when I am getting up. My body is telling me it is time for oatmeal or eggs and his body is ready for a nice hearty meal. 

Enter the make ahead casserole.

It is not only easy for me, I  just throw it together as I am making dinner so no extra time in the kitchen for me really. But it has that hearty comfort meal kind of feel that his body is craving. He can eat as much as he wants, and I can eat as little.   

I can wake up, grab a cup of coffee, spend some time listening to how his day eerrrr night went, and even sneak in some couch cuddle time.

All while this glorious casserole is baking away in the oven.

DING breakfast errr dinner ummm brinner is done.

Mmmmmm, and I am still in my jammies working on my second cup of coffee.

PERFECT!!

Now if I could only figure out how to get the kitchen clean while I am relaxing on the sofa!

Make Ahead Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

By Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Published 05/04/2014

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 cups (loosely packed) day-old bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes ( I used French bread)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 pound ham (thickly sliced), diced
• 8 eggs
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 1/2 cup cheddar-jack cheese blend, shredded

Instructions

1. Grease a 2 quart backing dish with butter, spread the bread cubes in the bottom of the dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and saute until they begin to caramelize, about 15 minutes.
3. Whisk together the eggs, half and half, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the ham over the bread cubes, then layer the shallots on top. Pour the egg mixture over the shallots and top with the shredded cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. When you are ready to make the casserole, preheat the oven to 350°F and take the casserole out of the fridge while the oven is preheating. Bake, uncovered, for 35 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top begins to brown. The baking time will depend on the dish you use is. Check the middle with a knife and if it comes out clean the casserole is done.
6. Cover the casserole with foil if the top is getting too brown during the cooking time.

Yield: Serves 4 to 6
Prep Time: 00 hrs. 15 mins.
Cook time: 00 hrs. 50 mins.

Planning on making one of my recipes? Nothing would make me happier! Take a photo and share it on Instagram and tag @BobbisKozyKtchn I would love to see what you made.