Make-Ahead Bacon Cheddar Strata
Step 1: Prep strata. Step 2: Bake strata. Step 3: Serve with mimosas and save $$$ on brunch.
Strata is an eggy dish halfway between a frittata and bread pudding. It’s absolutely perfect for an at-home brunch party; just ask your friends to bring some fresh fruit and Prosecco.
Yield: 8-10 servings
Time: 50-60 minutes to prepare and bake; prepare the night before
This recipe is adapted from https://www.recipetineats.com/cheese-and-bacon-breakfast-strata-cake-bread-bake/.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
16 ounces of bacon, cut into 1/2-inch squares
12 eggs
2 cups milk
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
16 ounces of bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (preferably slightly stale or dry)
6-7 ounces of cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups spinach, loosely packed
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and bacon, and cook the bacon until just browned and crisp.
Remove the bacon from the pan and drain well on a dish lined with paper towels.
Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together in your largest mixing bowl.
Add the bread cubes, bacon, cheese, and spinach to the egg mixture and stir well until all the bread is completely soaked.
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and set in the refrigerator overnight.
The next morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Grease a large glass baking dish (10 inches by 15 inches) with a tablespoon of olive oil.
Pour the bread mixture into the baking dish and press gently down on the bread with a spatula to form a single, fairly dense layer.
Cover the strata with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until just golden-brown. The eggs should be completely set.
Let the strata rest for five minutes before slicing and serving. Top with additional pepper if desired.
Did you make this recipe? Be sure to tag us on instagram @theprotopantry and use the #protopantry hashtag. Happy cooking!
Everything on protopantry.com is made using our 50-ingredient minimalist pantry list. We have recipes from all over the world and for most dietary needs—explore here.
