Leftover Challah? Turn It Into This Easy Cheesy Casserole

Don’t throw away leftover challah from Shabbat. Even when it has gone a little stale, it can be transformed into a warm, cheesy casserole that makes an easy lunch or dinner for the whole family. The challah soaks up the creamy egg mixture, becoming soft and flavorful inside while the cheese forms a golden, crispy layer on top.

Cheesy Casserole With Leftover Challah

Ingredients

About half a challah left over from Shabbat

3 eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 cup cottage cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

A little black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

1 tablespoon oil or a little butter, for greasing the baking dish

Optional additions

Sliced olives

Corn kernels

Sliced mushrooms

Diced tomato

Chopped scallions

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a medium baking dish.

Cut the challah into cubes and arrange them in the baking dish. If the challah is very dry, there is no need to soften it first. It will absorb the liquid as the casserole rests.

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cottage cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour the mixture evenly over the challah cubes, then gently press them down so they can soak up the liquid.

Sprinkle the feta, half of the shredded cheese, and any optional additions over the challah. Gently mix everything together in the baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before baking. This gives the challah time to absorb the egg and milk mixture and helps keep the inside soft.

Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. If you prefer a darker, crispier topping, switch the oven to broil for the last few minutes, watching carefully so it does not burn.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with a fresh vegetable salad for an easy, satisfying meal and a delicious way to use up leftover challah from Shabbat.