Holiday “Egg Thing” Breakfast: A Festive Morning Delight
Description:
Every Christmas morning, my mother prepared this cherished breakfast, affectionately dubbed “Egg Thing” by us kids. It’s a dish that’s not only perfect for the festive season but also delightful for Easter or any special occasion. This recipe, while rooted in tradition, offers ample opportunity for personal touches. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here’s how to make this classic dish that has been a beloved part of our holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 10 slices of bread
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 8 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing and cubing bread)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bread:
- Begin by spreading butter on one side of each slice of bread. Cut the buttered bread into cubes, aiming for approximately 1-inch squares. The size of the cubes can vary, so don’t worry too much about precision.
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Butter the Baking Dish:
- Generously butter a large, shallow baking dish. This will help prevent sticking and ensure your “Egg Thing” bakes evenly.
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Layer the Bread and Cheese:
- Arrange about half of the bread cubes in the prepared dish, spreading them out evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the bread cubes. Repeat this layering process with the remaining bread cubes and cheese.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, paprika, salt, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and dry mustard. This mixture will create a flavorful custard that will soak into the bread cubes.
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Combine and Refrigerate:
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and cheese in the baking dish. The mixture may appear quite liquid, but this is normal as the bread will absorb most of the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours or overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on it as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
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Optional Add-ins:
- Feel free to enhance your “Egg Thing” by incorporating additional ingredients such as cooked sausage, ham, bacon, diced bell peppers, or onions. Simply stir any add-ins into the egg mixture before pouring it over the bread cubes.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to a beautiful golden brown, let the dish cool slightly before serving. It pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or ham and a steaming cup of coffee. Enjoy this hearty and comforting breakfast that’s sure to bring joy to your holiday table!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 665.6
- Fat Content: 50.5 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 29.7 g
- Cholesterol Content: 353.5 mg
- Sodium Content: 963.9 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 20.8 g
- Fiber Content: 0.8 g
- Sugar Content: 2.5 g
- Protein Content: 32.3 g
This dish is perfect for a festive breakfast or brunch, offering a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying start to your day. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Easter, or just enjoying a cozy morning with loved ones, the Holiday “Egg Thing” Breakfast is sure to make your meal special and memorable. 🎄🍳🧀
