Grandma’s Christmas Casserole “Our children and grandchildren come to our home Christmas Eve, and we open one gift each—our Christmas pajamas. The next morning, after we see what Santa left in our stockings, we enjoy breakfast. From Debra Amunrud, Glencoe, Arkansas

Serves 12

Ingredients:

1 pound bacon slices

2 cups diced potatoes

2 cups diced ham or cooked ground sausage

2 red bell peppers, chopped

2 green bell peppers, chopped

11⁄2 cups chopped onions

Two 2- ounce cans sliced ripe olives, drained

1 cup sliced mushrooms

12 eggs

3 cups milk

1 cup biscuit mix

11⁄2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic pepper

1⁄2 teaspoon dried parsley

2 cups shredded mild Cheddar

2 cups shredded mozzarella

One 16- ounce container salsa

One 16- ounce carton sour cream

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 13 x 9- inch glass baking dish.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium- high heat. Add half of the bacon and cook until crisp, stirring frequently. Drain on

paper towels; discard the drippings. Repeat with the remaining bacon. Crumble and set aside.

3. Layer the potatoes, ham, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, and bacon in the order listed in the prepared pan.

4. Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl until well beaten. Add the milk, biscuit mix, salt, black pepper, garlic pepper, and

parsley and stir until well blended.

5. Pour evenly over the potato mixture; cover the casserole with foil. Line the oven rack with foil to catch any drippings.

6. Bake for 1 hour, uncover, and bake for 20 minutes longer, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Sprinkle the Cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top and return to the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts and begins to brown.


6. Remove from the oven and let stand for 15 minutes. Top each serving with a dollop of salsa and sour cream.


TIPS FROM OUR TEST KITCHEN
Even though the list is lengthy, most of the ingredients, such as the ham, cheese, olives, and mushrooms, may be purchased already chopped. You can even purchase cooked bacon.