Wake Up to Deliciousness: Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Strata Recipe

Are you looking for the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch that’s guaranteed to impress? Look no further than a bacon, egg, and cheese strata! This savory bread pudding is packed with flavor, incredibly easy to assemble, and can be prepared the night before, making it ideal for busy mornings or entertaining guests. Imagine waking up to the aroma of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a custardy egg mixture – pure breakfast bliss! This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating the ultimate bacon, egg, and cheese strata, complete with tips and variations to customize it to your liking.

What is a Strata?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clarify what a strata actually is. A strata is essentially a savory bread pudding. It consists of layers of bread, cheese, and other savory ingredients (like bacon, in this case!), all soaked in an egg and milk custard. The mixture is then baked until puffy, golden brown, and set. The beauty of a strata lies in its versatility – you can easily adapt the ingredients to use up leftovers or cater to different dietary needs.

Why This Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Strata Recipe Works

This particular recipe is a winner for several reasons:

* **Make-Ahead Convenience:** The strata can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to meld together and significantly reducing prep time in the morning.
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of salty bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich egg custard is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to swap out the bacon for sausage or ham, use different types of cheese, or add vegetables like sautéed onions, peppers, or spinach.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a family brunch or a holiday gathering.
* **Uses Stale Bread:** Got some leftover bread that’s past its prime? Perfect! Slightly stale bread actually works best in a strata, as it soaks up the custard better without becoming mushy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable bacon, egg, and cheese strata:

* **Bread:** 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of crusty bread, such as French bread, Italian bread, or sourdough. Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal.
* **Bacon:** 1 pound of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled.
* **Cheese:** 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere).
* **Eggs:** 8 large eggs.
* **Milk:** 3 cups of whole milk (or a combination of milk and cream for extra richness).
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup (optional, for extra richness).
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Hot Sauce:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for a little kick).
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon (or to taste).
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste).
* **Fresh Chives or Green Onions:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish).
* **Butter:** For greasing the baking dish.

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large baking dish (9×13 inch or similar).
* Large skillet.
* Large mixing bowl.
* Whisk.
* Measuring cups and spoons.
* Cutting board.
* Knife.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the strata! Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results:

**Step 1: Prepare the Bread**

* Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. You can leave the crust on for added texture.
* Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
* Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted. This step helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy in the custard.
* Let the bread cool slightly.

**Step 2: Cook the Bacon**

* Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
* Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
* Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

**Step 3: Prepare the Egg Custard**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), Dijon mustard, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.
* Whisk until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.

**Step 4: Assemble the Strata**

* Grease the baking dish with butter.
* Arrange half of the toasted bread cubes in the bottom of the dish.
* Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon and half of the shredded cheese over the bread.
* Top with the remaining bread cubes, bacon, and cheese.
* Pour the egg custard evenly over the bread mixture, making sure to saturate all the bread.
* Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or spoon to ensure it’s fully submerged in the custard.

**Step 5: Refrigerate (Optional but Recommended)**

* Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
* Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard and the flavors to meld together.

**Step 6: Bake the Strata**

* Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
* Uncover the baking dish and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the strata is puffed, golden brown, and 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 Rest and Garnish**

* 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 fresh chopped chives or green onions.

**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Slice the strata into squares and serve warm. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!

Tips for the Perfect Strata

* **Use Stale Bread:** As mentioned earlier, slightly stale bread works best in a strata. It absorbs the custard without becoming mushy. If your bread is too fresh, you can dry it out in the oven for a few minutes.
* **Don’t Skip the Toasting:** Toasting the bread cubes before assembling the strata is crucial. It helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy and adds a nice textural contrast.
* **Saturate the Bread:** Make sure the egg custard evenly saturates all the bread cubes. You may need to gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
* **Refrigerate for Best Results:** Refrigerating the strata for at least 2 hours (or overnight) is highly recommended. It allows the flavors to meld together and the bread to fully absorb the custard.
* **Bake Until Set:** Bake the strata until it’s puffed, golden brown, and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
* **Let it Rest:** Let the strata rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set further and makes it easier to slice.

Variations and Additions

The beauty of a strata is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version. Here are a few ideas:

* **Meat:** Substitute the bacon with sausage, ham, or cooked ground turkey.
* **Cheese:** Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
* **Vegetables:** Add sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.
* **Herbs:** Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the egg custard.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper to the egg custard for a subtle warmth.
* **Bread:** Experiment with different types of bread, such as challah, brioche, or croissants.
* **Sweet and Savory:** For a sweet and savory twist, add a touch of maple syrup to the egg custard or sprinkle a little brown sugar over the top before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This bacon, egg, and cheese strata is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Fresh Fruit:** Serve with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or grapes.
* **Yogurt:** Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy and tangy contrast.
* **Avocado:** Add slices of avocado for a healthy and satisfying fat.
* **Salad:** Serve with a light green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
* **Sauce:** Drizzle with hollandaise sauce or a simple tomato sauce for added flavor.

Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover strata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also reheat the entire strata in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
* **Freezing:** While freezing is not recommended, you can freeze baked strata. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture may be slightly altered after freezing.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 20-25 grams per serving
* Fat: 25-35 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams per serving

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*

Conclusion

This bacon, egg, and cheese strata is a truly versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Its make-ahead convenience, customizable ingredients, and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a winner in every way. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and prepare to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable breakfast masterpiece! Enjoy!

Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-55 minutes
**Resting Time:** 10-15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 loaf (about 1 pound) crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 8 large eggs
* 3 cups whole milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (for garnish)
* Butter, for greasing the baking dish

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10-15 minutes, until lightly toasted. Let cool.
2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), Dijon mustard, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Arrange half the bread cubes in the dish, followed by half the bacon and cheese. Repeat layers.
5. Pour egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently to saturate. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
6. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover and bake for 45-55 minutes, until puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
7. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with chives or green onions. Slice and serve warm.

**Notes**

* Use stale bread for best results.
* Customize with different meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

Enjoy your delicious Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Strata!