French Bread and Egg Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 small loaf French bread
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
• 12 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
• 1 cup shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, melted
• 1 - 1 1/2 cup(s) chopped ham or sausage
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional)
• 6 strips crisply cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)