Christmas Morning Wife Saver
User Reviews
4.4
Christmas Morning Wife Saver
Description
Christmas Morning Wife Saver is a baked casserole combining bread slices, thinly sliced ham (such as Black Forest), and grated sharp cheddar cheese. The bread is layered on the bottom and top with the ham and cheese in between. An egg custard mixture infused with dry mustard, chopped chives, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and milk is poured over the assembled layers. The casserole is covered and refrigerated overnight to allow the bread to fully soak up the custard. Before baking, melted butter is poured over the top and crushed corn flakes are sprinkled for texture. Baking at 350°F for about an hour produces a golden, set casserole with a moist middle and crunchy topping. It can be served with a drizzle of maple syrup or alongside fresh fruit.
The dish’s savory base combined with the cornflake topping adds pleasant contrast in texture. It can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheating in the oven helps maintain the crunchy topping. Variations include substituting ham with Canadian bacon, turkey, chicken deli meat, or more vegetables for a vegetarian option. For immediate baking, letting it rest at least an hour before baking prevents dryness and helps proper custard absorption.
Ingredients
- 10 lices bread (remove crusts if preferred)
- 12 lices ham thinly sliced (I used black forest)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese sharp, grated
- 6 large egg
- ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder dry
- ¼ cup chives chopped
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 3 cups milk whole
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 cup corn flakes crushed, cereal
Instructions
- Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish or spray with cooking oil.
- Cut and fit 5 slices of bread to fit over entire bottom of dish. Depending on the size of your bread and casserole dish you might need more bread. Layer the slices of ham then top with the cheddar cheese. Cut and fit the remaining 5 slices of bread to completely cover the ham and cheese.
- In a large bowl whisk together the eggs with the pepper, dry mustard, chives, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Add the milk and whisk until well combined. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the casserole and sprinkle with the crushed corn flakes over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until set and lightly browned, about 1 hour. Let casserole stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Substitute ham with Canadian bacon, turkey, chicken deli meat, or for a vegetarian option, add more vegetables like peppers and mushrooms.
- If baking right away, allow the casserole to rest at least one hour to let the bread soak the egg mixture fully.
- Serve with maple syrup or fresh fruit to complement the savory casserole.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days to keep freshness.
- Reheat in the oven to maintain the crunchy cornflake topping, about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 359 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 359kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 6% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 157mg | 52% |
| Sodium | 665mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 273mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 739IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 258mg | 26% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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