Ingredients

• 1/4  cup  butter or margarine, melted
• 8  cups  plain bagels cut into bite-size pieces (4 to 6 bagels)
• 1  3-ounce package  thinly sliced smoked salmon (lox-style), cut into small pieces
• 8  ounces  Swiss cheese or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (2 cups)
• 1/4  cup  snipped fresh chives
• 8    eggs, beaten
• 2  cups  milk
• 1  cup  cottage cheese
• 1/4  teaspoon  pepper

Directions

1. Place melted butter in a 13x9x2-inch baking dish or 3-quart rectangular casserole, spreading to cover the bottom. Spread bagel pieces evenly in prepared dish. Sprinkle lox, cheese, and chives evenly over bagel pieces. In a large bowl combine eggs, milk, cottage cheese, and pepper. Pour over layers in dish.

2. Press down gently with the back of a wooden spoon to moisten all of the ingredients. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours.

3. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Bake, uncovered, about 45 minutes or until set and edges are puffed and golden. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Makes 12 servings.