Cheese Bake Judy. Cheese Bake Whodie? Don't ask me, I don't know the answer. The recipe originally came from my friend, Tammy, who says that's what it's called in her family. At our house, it's become Judge Judy, as in, "Hey, is there any Judge Judy left?" Go figure. I'm sure there are four dozen recipes similar to this one roaming around out there, but I've recently been reminded of how handy it is during the holidays because you assemble it the day before, refrigerate it overnight, then pop it in the oven in the morning, which may make it the world's most perfect breakfast for Christmas Day, especially if you have a house full. Here's my recipe:
6-8 slices of soft bread
1 pound of cooked breakfast sausage
2 cups of shredded cheese
9 eggs
3 cups of milk
1 tsp. of dried mustard
salt and pepper to taste
Spray a 9"x13" baking pan with cooking spray. Arrange the bread in a single layer covering the bottom. Spread the cooked sausage over the bread, then sprinkle the cheese on top. Whip the eggs and milk together, then add the dried mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over everything, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, remove the pan from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before baking, if possible. Remove the foil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and golden brown on top.
If this isn't the perfect vehicle for leftovers, I don't know what is. You can use any cooked protein and any kind of cheese you happen to have around. Combine shredded chicken, sauteed onions, green chiles, and pepper jack for Cheese Bake Juanita. Ground beef and/or Italian sausage, sauteed onions and peppers, mozzarella cheese, and a little oregano and basil makes Cheese Bake Juliana. And pretty much any leftover cooked protein combined with vegetables and cheese gives you Cheese Bake Joanie, Jeanie, or Janie. It's a no-brainer!
Is there another variation in your family? Please share it! (See the instructions for leaving a comment in red at the end of all the articles.)
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