Bacon, Tomato, and Cheddar Breakfast Bake wih Eggs

This is an absolutely fantastic bake, and one you might want to plan ahead for Father's Day morning. The aroma will have him running to the kitchen, and the first taste will bring a smile to his face!!
(no serving size listed)

1 lb. white artisan bread cut into 1" cubes (16 cups)
1/3 cup EVOO
1 lb. sliced uncured* applewood smoked bacon, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 large sweet* onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 28 oz. can whole Italian tomatoes, drained, chopped, and patted dry
1/2 lb. extra sharp cheddar, shredded (8 oz.)
1/2 lb. Monterey Jack or pepper jack* cheese, shredded (8 oz.)
2 T. sniped chives
1&3/4 cups chicken broth
6 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly oil a 9x13" glass baking dish. In a large bowl, toss the bread with the olive oil and spread on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for about 20 mins., tossing once or twice, unto the bread is golden and lightly crispy. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the bacon over mod. high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 8 mins. Transfer to paper towels to drain; reserve 2 T. of the fat in the skillet. Add the onion to the skillet and cook over mod. heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 mins. Add the tomatoes and cook until liquid is evaporated, about 3 mins. Return the toasted bread cubes to the bowl. Add the contents of the skillet, along with the bacon, shredded cheeses, chives, and broth. Stir until the bread is evenly moistened. Spread the mixture in the baking dish and cover with lightly oiled foil. Bake in the center of the oven for 30 mins. Remove the foil and bake until the top is crispy, about 15 mins. longer. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven, and using a ladle, press 6 indentations into the bread mixture. Crack an egg into each indentation. Return the dish to the oven and bake for about 15 mins., until the egg whites are set but yolks are still runny. Cook longer, if you don't want runny yolks. Serve right away while still warm with his fav. fruit.

"People who wonder whether the glass is half empty or half full miss the point. The glass is refillable!!"

Happy Friday, Dear Readers.

Love,

MM