Mama Lu's Broccoli Casserole

I got this recipe years ago from a Jane and Michael Stern cookbook that featured recipes from restaurants around the country. The original recipe was for a smaller casserole and I doubled the recipe. We have it at every holiday meal. Mama Lu's is a southern restaurant that is located in Florida I believe (not sure of the city). I like this recipe because it's not like every other broccoli casserole.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 9  slices  day old  white bread
• 1 (16 ounce) package  frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
• 2  cups  shredded cheddar cheese
• 5  eggs, beaten
• 1  cup milk
• 1⁄2 cup butter, melted
• 3  tablespoons sugar
•  salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
2. Butter a 9x13 glass Pyrex dish.
3. Tear the bread slices into bite size pieces and cover the bottom of the pan.
4. (You may need more or less slices to fit the pan depending on the size of your slices.) Layer the chopped broccoli on top of the bread slices.
5. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and pour over the broccoli and bread, making sure all the bread pieces get a good soaking and that the cheese is distributed evenly.
6. Cover with tin foil and bake for 35-40 minutes or until casserole is golden brown and set.
7. Let rest 10 minutes and cut into squares and serve.