Bacon and Cheese Breakfast Strata
A make ahead bake of bread cubes soaked in egg and milk with bacon and cheese, baked until puffed and golden.
Equipment
- Large nonstick skillet
- 2 quart baking dish
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 oz bacon diced, or ham
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cup milk whole or low fat
- ⅛ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 7 cup plain bread cubes 3/4 inch pieces, slightly stale
- 2 cup shredded cheese divided, 1 1/2 cups mixed in and 1/2 cup on top
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish
- 1 tsp butter to grease the dish
Instructions
Cooking
- Brown the bacon. Cook all but 2 tablespoons of the diced bacon in a hot skillet until lightly browned, then drain.
- Whisk. Beat the eggs with the milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Soak. Fold in the bread, 1 1/2 cups of the cheese, and the cooked bacon, then refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Assemble. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F, pour the mixture into a greased dish, and top with the reserved bacon and remaining cheese.
- Bake. Bake 45 to 50 minutes, until puffed, golden, and 160 degrees F in the center.
- Rest. Cool for a few minutes, slice into squares, and top with parsley.
Notes
Substitutions: Use diced ham or cooked sausage in place of bacon.
Tips: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard ideal, and an overnight soak gives the creamiest center.
Storage: Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days or freeze squares for up to 2 months. Reheat covered to 165 degrees F.