Description
A hearty and comforting breakfast casserole featuring layers of savory bacon, shredded cheese, and cubed bread soaked in a seasoned egg and milk mixture. Perfect for making ahead and baking for a delicious morning meal that serves eight.
Ingredients
Scale
Bacon
- 300g / 10 oz bacon, diced (or ham)
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk (full cream or low fat)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Bread and Cheese
- 7 cups (packed) plain bread (preferably slightly stale baguettes), cut into 2 cm / 1 inch cubes
- 2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar or a blend)
Garnish (Optional)
- Parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook bacon: Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat and add a small amount of oil if needed. Cook all but 2 tablespoons of the diced bacon until lightly browned and crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan, drain on paper towels, and set aside the reserved bacon for topping.
- Whisk eggs and milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. This will create the custard base for the strata.
- Soak bread: Add the cubed bread, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese, and the cooked bacon to the egg mixture. Stir gently to ensure all the bread is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture thoroughly. This can be done overnight for convenience.
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish suitable for an 8-serving casserole.
- Fill and top casserole: Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of bacon and the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before sprinkling with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm as a satisfying breakfast or brunch dish.
Notes
- Using slightly stale bread helps it absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.
- Cheese types like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend work well for this recipe.
- The strata can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making it ideal for busy mornings or entertaining.
- For a lower fat option, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of bacon or substitute with lean ham.
