This dish gets you up and ready to face the day! Grogginess doesn’t stand a chance when Wide-Awake Bake is on the table! A fluffy bed of creamy, rich eggs with melty, tender cheese sandwiches baked right in would wake even the sleepiness of folks… no one can stay asleep if there’s a Wide-Awake Bake hot and ready to be eaten!
Ingredients
- 12 slices white sandwich bread
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup mixed fresh herbs, chopped, of your choice
- 8 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- fresh thyme leaves, optional, to taste, for garnish
- fresh basil leaves, optional, to taste, for garnish
Directions
Step 1 –Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2 –Line the bottom of the prepared pan with 6 slices of the bread.
Step 3 –Sprinkle the bread layer with the cheddar cheese and the mixed herbs.
Step 4 –Top the cheese-herb layer with the remaining bread slices.
Step 5 –In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, the milk, the half-and-half, the dry mustard, the salt, and the pepper until frothy.
Step 6 –Pour the egg mixture slowly over the bread.
Step 7 –Cover the baking dish.
Step 8 –Refrigerate the bake for at least 8 hours and up to overnight.
Step 9 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 10 –Uncover the bake and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Step 11 –Bake until it is puffed and the center is set, about 1 hour.
Step 12 –Let the bake stand for 10 minutes.
Step 13 –Garnish with the thyme and the basil and serve.
