Wife Saver

4.29 from 7 votes

Discover the magic of Wife Saver- your solution for stress-free, delicious mornings. This make-ahead breakfast is perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: Breakfast

Keyword: Wife Saver

Servings:

Calories: 769kcal

Ingredients

16 slices of White Bread crusts removed
4 cups of Ham cubed
16 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese sliced into ¼ inch thick pieces
6 Large Eggs
½ teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoon Pepper
½ tablespoon Seasoning Salt
1 tablespoon Onion Powder
3 cups Whole Milk
½ cup Salted Butter melted
2 cups Cornflakes crushed

Instructions

Spray a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Cover the bottom of the baking dish with 8 slices of bread, crusts removed. Every baking dish is different so tearing your bread is necessary to cover the bottom evenly. It is alright if they go up the sides slightly.
Evenly sprinkle the cubed ham over the bread to make the next layer.
Next, lay out all the slices of cheese in one even layer over the ham until covered.
Top the cheese with the remaining 8 slices of bread, essentially making one large sandwich.
Next, beat eggs, salt, seasoning salt and pepper together in a bowl.
Whisk in the onion powder and milk until thoroughly combined.
Pour the egg/ milk mixture over the entire casserole, soaking the layers.
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the fridge overnight. This gives the bread and other ingredients a chance to soak up the egg/milk mixture and seasonings for several hours. (Plus it means all the heavy lifting is done the day before you plan to serve it!)
In the morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Crush the cornflakes slightly and spread them in an even layer over top of the casserole.
Melt ½ a cup of butter and pour it over top of the crushed cornflakes.
Leave the dish uncovered and bake for 1 hour until golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving, it will be piping hot right out of the oven.

Notes

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

How to Store Wife Saver:

Cool the casserole, then cover and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat Wife Saver:

Gently reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm. If you want to maintain the original texture you might want to avoid microwaving.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Can this be Frozen?

Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

Can this be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, it's designed for that! Assemble the casserole the night before and let it rest in the fridge. This enhances the flavors and textures.

Substitutions & Variations

Bread: Try whole wheat or gluten-free bread for a healthier twist.
Meat: Swap ham with cooked bacon or sausage, or go meatless with sautéed veggies.
Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and cheese substitutes.

Helpful Cooking Notes

Bread Coverage: Tear bread slices as needed to cover the dish without overcrowding.
Egg Mixture: Ensure it’s evenly poured over the layers for consistent cooking.
Golden Topping: Watch the casserole in the last minutes of baking for a perfectly golden crust.

Nutrition