Cheddar-Bacon Wake-up Casserole

I found this recipe in the Country Home and it sounds really good!

Ingredients:

• 4 oz Dry French Bread, cut into 3/4 inch cubes (4 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, crisp-cooked, drained, and crumbled, or 1 cup diced cooked ham (or I think proscuitto could be a good replacement and not so greasy)
• 2 cups milk
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 TBSP snipped fresh Italian flat-leaf-parsley
• 1/2 Tsp mustard
• 1/4 Tsp ground black pepper
• 1/ 8 Tsp onion powder

1. In a large bowl toss together the bread cubes, cheddar cheese, & cooked bacon or ham. Divide among six 10 oz individual casseroles or place all of the mixture in one 2 quart rectangular baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl whisk together milk, eggs, parsley, mustard, pepper, and onion powder. Pour over the bread mixture in the casseroles or dish.
3. Cover & refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 oven for 25-30 minutes for individual baking casseroles (about 40 minutes for 2 quart dish) or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Makes 6 servings. Per serving: 374 calories, 26 g fat, 194 mg chol, 595 mg sodium, 15 g carbo., 1 g fiber, 20 g protein.

*You can serve fruit salad or fruit (honeydew melon, oranges, and fresh raspberries drizzled with honey).

Reference: Country Home magazine Dec/Jan 2008