Broccoli-cheese Puff

Total Time: 2 hrs Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
• 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine, softened
• 10 slices day-old bread
• 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 eggs
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Recipe

• 1 in small saucepan, cook broccoli until tender according to package directions, separating broccoli as directed. drain and set aside.
• 2 thoroughly grease the inside of 9x13x2-inch ovenproof baking pan using the butter or margarine.
• 3 using a large serrated knife, trim off and reserve crusts from bread slices. using a 2.75-inch-diameter doughnut cutter, cut doughnut-shaped rounds from 8 slices of the bread. cut bread trimmings and remaining 2 slices of bread into 1/4-inch cubes.
• 4 coarsely shred cheddar cheese. place cheese, bread cubes, and drained chopped broccoli into a large mixing bowl. toss well and spoon into the prepared baking pan.
• 5 arrange doughnut-shaped bread rings on top of broccoli mixture, overlapping them if necessary. beat eggs in same mixing bowl with a wire whisk or a rotary or portable electric mixer. add milk, dried basil leaves, salt, and papper. beat until smooth.
• 6 pour seasoned egg-milk mixture over broccoli and bread in pan. let stand 30 minutes. (this much can be done up to 1 day in advance. cover broccoli mixture with aluminum foil, removing from 'fridge about 1 1/4 hours before you plan to serve dinner.).
• 7 heat oven to 350°.
• 8 place uncovered pan on center rack in oven. bake 60 to 65 minutes or until mixture is puffed and lightly browned, or when a knife inserted in center of puff comes out clean.
• 9 serve immediately.