April 28, 2011

Bacon, Tomato and Cheddar Breakfast Bake with Eggs

We stuck close to home this Easter which made it a different kind of holiday for us. It was nice to take it easy and have a relaxing weekend without any commitments, but at the same time we missed the chaos and excitement of being with our families. My husband and I both are accustom to large holiday meals that are usually centered around a turkey or ham with at least six sides to choose from, so I knew I needed to create some sort of meal to mark the occasion. I had such an overwhelming positive response to the Overnight French Toast a few weeks back (I am so glad you all enjoyed it!) that I wanted to find another “company worthy” breakfast dish that can be made in advance. When I came across this recipe I ran straight to the kitchen. It took about 30 minutes to prepare the day before, but the next morning I cracked four eggs and it was done.  The presentation is rustic and has that overall "no fuss"  feel that I just love!

Bacon, Tomato and Cheddar Breakfast Bake with Eggs
Adapted from Food and Wine
Serves 4

8oz. bakery white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/8 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 pound sliced applewood-smoked bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes (drained)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 1/2 cups extra-sharp cheddar, shredded
2 tablespoons snipped chives
¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Salt
4 large eggs
Hot sauce, for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Lightly oil a 8-by-8-inch glass baking dish. In a large bowl, toss the bread with the olive oil and spread on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, tossing once or twice, until the bread is golden and lightly crisp.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the bacon over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain; reserve 2 tablespoons of the fat in the skillet.

3. Add the onion to the skillet and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and crushed red pepper and cook until any liquid is evaporated, about 3 minutes.

4. Return the toasted bread cubes to the bowl. Add the contents of the skillet, along with the bacon, shredded cheeses, chives and broth. Stir until the bread is evenly moistened. Season with salt. Spread the mixture in the baking dish and cover with lightly oiled foil.

5. Bake the bread mixture in the center of the oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until the top is crispy, about 15 minutes longer. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and, using a ladle, press 8 indentations into the bread mixture. Crack an egg into each indentation. Return the dish to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Serve the breakfast bake right away with hot sauce.

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