Be brunch ready with this make-ahead casserole.

Ingredients

¼ cups pancetta, diced

1 medium onion, diced

1 red pepper, seeded and diced

8 eggs

2 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp salt

½ tsp ground mustard

¼ tsp black pepper

2½ cups milk

8 cups day old Italian bread cubes (3/4-inch/2 cm)

2 cups Italian blend cheeses, shredded

1 cup low-fat or regular ricotta cheese

Instructions

Grease a 9 x 13 (3 L) baking dish.

In large non-stick skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until browned, about 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain. Add onion and red pepper to the drippings in same skillet and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes or until softened. Remove from heat.

Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat eggs well with seasonings. Stir in milk. Spread ½ of the bread cubes in baking dish. Layer with ½ each onion mixture, pancetta and shredded cheese. Top evenly with spoonfuls of ricotta cheese. Top with remaining bread cubes, onion mixture and pancetta. Pour egg mixture evenly over top; press bread cubes down lightly. Sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.

Cover and refrigerate overnight.

When ready to serve, bake uncovered in a pre-heated 350°F (180°C) oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until center is set and top is golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting into square to serve.

Variation: Substitute regular bacon or ham for the pancetta and use whole wheat bread in place of Italian bread. Feel free to use one type of cheese instead of a blend.

Tip

Reduce the fat content by using all low-fat cheeses and low-fat milk.

From the Egg Farmers of Ontario.