BACON & CHEESE BREAKFAST STRATA

Bacon and cheese breakfast strata is a delicious make-ahead dish perfect for brunches or special breakfast occasions. Here’s a recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of bread, preferably day-old, cut into cubes
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite cheese)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread and Bacon:

• Cut the bread slices into cubes and set them aside.
• Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.

2. Assemble the Strata:

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
• Spread half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the baking dish.
• Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese over the bread.
• Repeat with the remaining bread cubes, bacon, and cheese.

3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

4. Pour the Egg Mixture:

• Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, bacon, and cheese in the baking dish. Press down lightly with a spatula to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.

5. Refrigerate Overnight:

• Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture.

6. Bake the Strata:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
• Bake the strata in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Once baked, remove the strata from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley if desired.
• Cut into squares and serve warm.

This bacon and cheese breakfast strata is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Enjoy!