Ham-and-Scallion Brioche Bread Bake

By dkjohnson

Ingredients

• 8 large eggs
• 3 1/4 cups milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 bunches scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• Pinch crushed red pepper
• One 1-pound loaf brioche, cubed
• 1/4 pound ham, coarsely chopped
• 2 cups shredded gruyère cheese

Preparation

Step 1

1.Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1 teaspoon salt and the black pepper.

2.In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the scallions, garlic, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and the crushed red pepper and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

3.Transfer the bread cubes to the prepared baking dish. Add the scallion mixture, ham and half of the cheese; toss. Pour the egg mixture on top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the liquid is absorbed, about 1 hour.

4.Preheat the oven to 350°. Discard the plastic wrap and bake until golden and bubbling, about 45 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.