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Introduction
A bacon and cheese breakfast strata is a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for brunch, special occasions, or a leisurely weekend breakfast. This layered casserole features crusty bread soaked in a savory custard, crispy bacon, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1 loaf of crusty bread (such as French or Italian), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Prepare the Bread and Cheese:
- Place the bread cubes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the bread cubes.
- Top with shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheese, distributing evenly.
- Make the Custard:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- Assemble the Strata:
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, bacon, and cheese in the baking dish. Press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if preparing ahead of time.
- Bake the Strata:
- Remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if you haven’t already.
- Remove the plastic wrap and cover the strata with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the strata is puffed, golden brown, and set in the center.
- Serve:
- Let the strata cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired, and serve warm.
Conclusion
Bacon and cheese breakfast strata is a delightful dish that’s perfect for starting your day with a satisfying meal. The combination of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and savory custard-soaked bread creates a rich and flavorful breakfast casserole. Easy to make ahead and bake when ready, this strata is ideal for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or any occasion where you want to enjoy a delicious and comforting breakfast. Enjoy!
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