Turkey Cordon Bleu Crisp

When I was looking for recipes to use up the leftover turkey, this recipe caught my eye.  One, because it's a take on cordon bleu, which my husband and I both like and two, with the syrup drizzled on top, it was convincing enough to call it Breakfast For Dinner for the kids.  When I went on a search for brioche, two grocery stores later I still didn't have any.  I went back to the first store and ended up buying a Challah loaf that the bakery manager told me was the closest thing that they had, since they don't carry brioche.  Unfortunately, this recipe is super tasty but does take quite some time to make.  The mixed casserole needs to sit in the egg mixture for 20 minutes then the casserole is baked for 40 minutes, 30 of which is uncovered, 10 covered.  The kids loved it though and ate their bowls clean.  My daughter even asked for some for lunch the next day. 

Turkey Cordon Bleu Crisp
recipe slightly adapted from Every Day With Rachael Ray, November 2009

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter
1 onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper
4 ounces sliced ham, chopped
7 3/4-inch-thick slices Challah bread (about 7 ounces)
1 1/2 cups chopped turkey
3 ounces sliced Swiss cheese, such as emmantaler, cut into slivers
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
Maple syrup, for serving

Directions:
1.Preheat the oven to 400 degrees . In a medium skillet, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ham and cook for 2 minutes more.

2.Quarter 4challah slices and arrange in a buttered 8-inch square baking dish, overlapping slightly. Layer the turkey, cheese and onion-ham mixture on top.

3.Cut the remaining 3 challah slices into 3/4-inch cubes. In a glass bowl, melt the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter in the microwave; add the cubed brioche and toss. Arrange evenly on top of the casserole.

4.In the same bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pour over the casserole, then let stand for 20 minutes.

5.Bake until set in the center, about 30 minutes; cover with foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent the top from browning too much. Let stand for 10 minutes. Serve with the syrup.

Family Rating:  2 thumbs up!