Bacon Cheddar Spinach Strata: A Savory Brunch Delight

This Bacon Cheddar Spinach Strata is the perfect make-ahead brunch or breakfast casserole. It’s packed with savory flavors, creamy cheese, and nutritious spinach, all baked into a delicious, comforting dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The beauty of a strata is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your liking with different cheeses, vegetables, and meats. However, this bacon cheddar spinach combination is a classic for a reason. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The overnight soak allows the bread to absorb all the delicious custard, resulting in a soft, almost bread-pudding like texture that’s both satisfying and flavorful. This recipe is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or even a weekend treat when you want something a little extra special.

## What is a Strata?

For those unfamiliar, a strata is essentially a savory bread pudding. It’s made by layering bread with various fillings, such as meats, cheeses, and vegetables, then soaking it all in an egg custard mixture. The mixture then sits for a period of time, usually overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the custard before being baked. This soaking process is key to achieving the strata’s signature soft and flavorful texture.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Make-Ahead Convenience:** The overnight soaking time makes this strata perfect for busy mornings. Simply assemble it the night before, and bake it off when you’re ready to serve.
* **Flavorful Combination:** Bacon, cheddar, and spinach are a classic combination for a reason. The smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and earthy spinach create a harmonious and delicious flavor profile.
* **Customizable:** While this recipe highlights bacon, cheddar, and spinach, you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences. Swap out the bacon for sausage or ham, try a different cheese like Gruyere or Monterey Jack, or add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
* **Comfort Food Delight:** A warm, cheesy strata is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for a chilly morning or a cozy brunch gathering.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this Bacon Cheddar Spinach Strata:

* **Bread:** 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of day-old bread, such as French bread, Italian bread, or sourdough. Stale bread works best, as it will absorb the custard better. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
* **Bacon:** 8-10 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. You can also use bacon bits for convenience, but freshly cooked bacon provides the best flavor.
* **Spinach:** 10 ounces of fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped. You can also use frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but you can use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer.
* **Eggs:** 6 large eggs. These are the base of the custard that binds the strata together.
* **Milk:** 2 cups of whole milk. Whole milk provides the richest flavor, but you can use 2% milk if you prefer. Avoid skim milk, as it will result in a less creamy texture.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup of heavy cream. This adds richness and creaminess to the custard.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. This adds a subtle tang and enhances the savory flavors.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a savory depth of flavor.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** ½ teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste.
* **Optional:** Chopped green onions or chives for garnish.
* **Optional:** A pinch of nutmeg adds a lovely warmth to the custard.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the strata! Follow these easy steps for a perfect Bacon Cheddar Spinach Strata.

**Step 1: Prepare the Bread**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
* Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted. This helps the bread hold its shape and prevents it from becoming soggy in the custard. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
* Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

**Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Spinach**

* Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
* Once cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
* If using fresh spinach, add it to the same skillet (with the bacon grease) and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and squeeze out all excess moisture.
* Remove the spinach from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly. Roughly chop the spinach.

**Step 3: Make the Custard**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If using nutmeg, add it now.

**Step 4: Assemble the Strata**

* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the strata from sticking.
* Arrange half of the toasted bread cubes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
* Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon, chopped spinach, and shredded cheddar cheese over the bread.
* Top with the remaining bread cubes, bacon, spinach, and cheddar cheese.
* Pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the bread and cheese layers. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure it is fully submerged in the custard.

**Step 5: Refrigerate Overnight**

* Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld together. This is the most crucial step for a successful strata!

**Step 6: Bake the Strata**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish.
* Bake the strata for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
* If the top of the strata starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

**Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve**

* Remove the strata from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set further and makes it easier to slice.
* Garnish with chopped green onions or chives, if desired.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for Success

* **Use Stale Bread:** Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal for strata. It will absorb the custard better without becoming mushy. If your bread isn’t stale, you can toast it lightly in the oven to dry it out.
* **Don’t Skip the Overnight Soak:** The overnight soaking is essential for a good strata. It allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a soft and flavorful dish.
* **Squeeze Out Excess Moisture:** If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture. This will prevent the strata from becoming watery.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Taste the custard mixture before pouring it over the bread and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt and pepper, depending on your preferences.
* **Prevent Burning:** If the top of the strata starts to brown too quickly during baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
* **Check for Doneness:** To ensure the strata is fully cooked, insert a knife into the center. It should come out clean.
* **Let it Rest:** Allow the strata to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows the custard to set further and makes it easier to slice.

## Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of a strata is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature version.

* **Meat:** Substitute the bacon with sausage, ham, or diced cooked chicken or turkey.
* **Cheese:** Try different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Pepper Jack.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
* **Bread:** Use different types of bread, such as croissants, challah, or brioche.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.
* **Vegetarian:** Omit the bacon entirely for a vegetarian version, or add roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
* **Dairy-Free:** Substitute the milk and cream with dairy-free alternatives, such as almond milk or coconut milk. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

## Serving Suggestions

This Bacon Cheddar Spinach Strata is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or a simple yogurt parfait. It’s also great with a side of roasted potatoes or a few breakfast sausages. It pairs well with orange juice, mimosas, or coffee.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover strata can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
* **Reheating:** To reheat the strata, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the strata in an oven-safe dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.

## Bacon Cheddar Spinach Strata Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45-55 minutes
**Refrigeration Time:** At least 4 hours, preferably overnight

**Ingredients:**

* 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 8-10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 6 large eggs
* 2 cups whole milk
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* Optional: Chopped green onions or chives for garnish
* Optional: A pinch of nutmeg

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted. Let cool slightly.
2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and crumble. If using fresh spinach, cook in the skillet until wilted. Set aside to cool and roughly chop.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange half of the bread cubes in the dish, followed by half of the bacon, spinach, and cheddar cheese. Top with the remaining bread, bacon, spinach, and cheese.
5. Pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the bread and cheese layers. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it is submerged in the custard.
6. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
8. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or chives, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Bacon Cheddar Spinach Strata!

## Conclusion

This Bacon Cheddar Spinach Strata is a delightful and easy-to-make brunch or breakfast option that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its savory flavors, creamy texture, and customizable ingredients, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to enjoy a truly memorable meal! This recipe will definitely earn a spot in your regular rotation.