Lazy Morning Breakfast Casserole

When I just don't want to mess with cooking but my family wants a warm breakfast we make this easy casserole. I based it on what I remember of Pat's Christmas casserole but made a few changes so that it works when you cook it the same morning you make it. The crust is a little crunchy, a little chewy. Chris particularly likes the peppers with bacon, but ham and broccolli would work just as well.

8 slices coarse sourdough bread, torn

1/4 cup butter melted

12 eggs

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup milk

1/2 onion, chopped

1/2 red pepper, chopped

1/2 cup bacon bits (the real kind) or 4 slices bacon, crumbled

4 oz can green chiles, chopped

1 1/2 cups cheese, grated

Melt the butter in a 9x13 casserole dish. Toss the bread in the butter. Set aside. In a medium mixing bowl beat the eggs and milk. Add the remaining ingredients and mix gently. Slowly, pour the egg mixture over the bread in the casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees until the edges are brown and the eggs are set, about 30 -45 minutes. Serve with fresh or canned fruit.