Emeril's Christmas Morning Breakfast Bake

Melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat in a 12-inch skillet. Add Canadian bacon, onion, garlic, and ¼ teaspoon salt, and cook 2 minutes. Add half of the spinach to the pan and cook, stirring as needed, for 1 minute. Add the remaining spinach and cook 1 minute longer, until just wilted. Remove the pan from heat.

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, half-and-half, the remaining ¾ teaspoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg until combined. 

Butter a 3-quart baking dish with the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add half of the bread, then top with half of the spinach mixture and half of the grated cheese. Repeat the layers. Pour the egg mixture into baking dish and gently submerge the bread. Cover and refrigerate for two hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 400˚F.

Bring casserole to room temperature. Bake the casserole uncovered until puffed, golden brown, and cooked through, 25 to 35 minutes (cook time will vary based on depth of baking dish). Let stand 5 minutes before serving.