Ham & Cheese Brunch Squares

Name: Ham & Cheese Brunch Squares
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups (500 mL) grated Colby & Monterey Jack or marble cheese blend (8 oz/250 g), divided; 1 pkg (22.5 oz/750 g) frozen toaster hash brown patties, thawed (about 10 patties); 8 oz (250 g) cream cheese, softened; 12 eggs; 1/2 tsp (2 mL) coarsely ground black pepper; 8 oz (250 g) thickly sliced deli ham; 4-5 green onions with tops, divided; 3 plum tomatoes; Additional coarsely ground black pepper (optional)

Drop-in brunch guests on their way? No problem! This colorful dish comes together in no time and serves a crowd.

Ingredients

2 cups (500 mL) grated Colby & Monterey Jack or marble cheese blend (8 oz/250 g), divided
1 pkg (22.5 oz/750 g) frozen toaster hash brown patties, thawed (about 10 patties)
8 oz (250 g) cream cheese, softened
12 eggs
1/2 tsp (2 mL) coarsely ground black pepper
8 oz (250 g) thickly sliced deli ham
4-5 green onions with tops, divided
3 plum tomatoes
Additional coarsely ground black pepper (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly brush Large Bar Pan with vegetable oil. Grate cheese using Ultimate Mandoline. Crumble hash browns over pan; press gently. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Bake 13-15 minutes or until crust starts to brown.
Meanwhile, in Classic Batter Bowl, whisk cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add eggs and black pepper; whisk until smooth. Coarsely chop ham using Food Chopper. Slice green onions, reserving 1/4 cup (50 mL) of the tops for garnish. Place ham and remaining green onions into (8-in./20-cm) Sauté Pan; cook and stir over medium heat 2-3 minutes or until hot. Stir ham mixture into egg mixture.
Remove pan from oven to Stackable Cooling Rack. Pour egg mixture over crust. Return to oven; bake 6-8 minutes or until center is set. Meanwhile, seed and dice tomatoes using Utility Knife. Remove pan from oven; top with remaining cheese, tomatoes and reserved green onions. Sprinkle with additional black pepper, if desired. Cut into squares and serve using Mini-Serving Spatula.

Yield:

12 servings

Nutrients per serving:

U.S. Nutrients per serving: Calories 330, Total Fat 22 g, Saturated Fat 10 g, Cholesterol 260 mg, Carbohydrate 15 g, Protein 17 g, Sodium 740 mg, Fiber 1 g

Cook's Tips:

To soften cream cheese, microwave on HIGH 15-20 seconds or until softened. Whisk until smooth.

If desired, 2 cups (500 mL) cooked and crumbled bulk pork sausage (3/4 lb/350 g) or 12 slices (1 lb/450 g) bacon, cooked, drained and crumbled, can be substituted for the deli ham.