Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Strata: A Delicious Breakfast Casserole

Introduction

There’s something truly comforting about a hearty breakfast casserole. Whether it’s for a lazy Sunday morning or a special brunch gathering, a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Strata is the perfect dish to serve. For me, this dish brings back fond memories of family breakfasts where we all gathered around the table, enjoying a savory and satisfying meal together.

This Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Strata is a recipe that I’ve turned to time and time again. It’s easy to prepare the night before, allowing the flavors to meld together while you sleep. When you wake up, all that’s left to do is pop it in the oven and wait for the delicious smells to fill your kitchen. It’s a great option for holiday breakfasts, weekend brunches, or any time you want a special breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe Overview

Name of the Recipe

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Strata

Brief Description

This Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Strata is a savory breakfast casserole layered with crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, gooey cheese, and cubed bread. It’s easy to make ahead, making it perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.

Ingredients List

• 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions

If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the bacon with sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also substitute the cheddar and mozzarella cheese with other cheese varieties like Gruyère or Swiss for a richer flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
2. Prepare the bread: Cube the bread and set it aside. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the egg mixture more easily.
3. Whisk the eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and dry mustard. This will form the custard base for your strata.
4. Layer the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the dish, then sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon, diced onions, and shredded cheese over the top. Repeat with the remaining bread, bacon, onions, and cheese.
5. Add the custard: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and bacon in the dish. Use the back of a spoon to press the bread down slightly to ensure it soaks up the custard mixture.
6. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while the oven preheats. Bake, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
8. Serve: Once baked, remove the strata from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour or overnight
• Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)

Serving Suggestions

This Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Strata is a complete breakfast on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh fruit salad or some roasted potatoes for a more filling meal. It also goes well with a side of fresh green salad for brunch or a glass of fresh orange juice or coffee to start your day.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Strata (approximately 1/8 of the recipe) provides:

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sodium: 760mg

Storage and Reheating

This strata is great for leftovers. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or heat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

If you’d like to freeze the strata for later, make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the strata in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven as directed above.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I prepare this strata in advance?

Yes! In fact, preparing the strata the night before and letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight helps the flavors meld together and the bread absorb the custard mixture. This makes it a convenient option for hosting brunch or when you have busy mornings.

Can I make this recipe without bread?

While bread is a key ingredient in traditional strata recipes, you can try substituting it with cooked potatoes or a mixture of cooked quinoa and vegetables for a gluten-free option. The texture will be different, but it will still be delicious!

Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

Yes, using pre-cooked bacon can save you time. Just crumble the pre-cooked bacon and layer it in the strata as directed. You can also use turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon substitute if you prefer.

Conclusion

This Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Strata is a comforting and satisfying breakfast casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, celebrating a special holiday, or simply enjoying a cozy morning at home, this dish is sure to impress. It’s easy to make ahead, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below. We’d love to hear about any variations or tips you added to make this dish your own!