Breakfast Sandwich Bake

My family is really big on tradition when it comes to holidays.  For example, Christmas Eve we had to read the Christmas story out loud twice because my little sister said reading it at my sister's house and not at my parent's house was a break in the tradition.  Another tradition is Christmas morning brunch. This is another family recipe that brings back tons of childhood memories.  It is easy and should be assembled the night before.  

Breakfast Sandwich Bake

Serves 8

16 slices Pepperidge Farm thin sandwich bread

6 eggs

1 tsp dry mustard

1/2 block of sharp cheddar cheese (enough for 8 sandwiches)

1 cup sauteed mushrooms (optional)

3 cups milk

1/2 lb sliced ham (I prefer maple or black forest)

pepper to taste

3 cups Kellogg Corn Flakes

1/2 nutmeg (optional)

spreading butter (in a tub) - for buttering bread

Mix eggs, mustard, and milk together in a mixing bowl.  Add pepper and nutmeg and set aside. Butter both sides of the Pepperidge Farm bread slices.  Slice cheddar cheese block into small slivers to arrange on sandwich.  In a 16x 10 baking dish (approximately 1 1/2 inches deep), arrange bread slices on the bottom of the pan.  Layer ham and cheese on each slice of bread and top with a piece of buttered bread.  Once sandwiches are assembled.  Pour egg mixture over the top of the sandwiches and cover.  Refrigerate at least one hour (best if refrigerate overnight).  

In a zip lock bag, pour corn flakes and crush.  Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in microwave.  Pour melted butter over corn flakes to coat them.  If need more butter, melt and continue until corn flakes are lightly coated.  Heat oven to 350 degrees.  If baking with mushrooms, pour mushrooms on top of sandwiches before baking.  Bake casserole for 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and pour corn flakes on top of the sandwiches.  Return to oven and bake for 20-30 minutes more.  Periodically check to make sure corn flakes are not burning.  Cover with aluminum foil if frosted flakes start to burn before casserole is done.  Remove from oven when casserole is hot and bubbly in the center.  Allow to sit for 3-4 minutes before serving.  

- Miss J