Cheddar Bacon Wake Up Casserole

(Country Home Magazine)

4 oz dry french or sourdough bread, cut into 3/4 inch cubes.  (4 cups)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1 cup diced cooked ham)
2 cups mlk
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 Tbsp fresh parsley
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1/8 tsp onion powder

In a large bowl, toss together the bread cubes, cheddar cheese and cooked bacon or ham.  In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, parsley, pepper and onion powder.  Pour over the bread mixture.  Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hour or up to 24 hours.  Bake, uncovered in a 350 degree oven for 40 minutes or till knife inserted near center comes out clean.  Let stand 5 minutes before serving.