A Bacon & Cheese Breakfast Strata is a layered egg casserole featuring crispy bacon, melted cheese, and hearty bread. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
BACON & CHEESE BREAKFAST STRATA
Ingredients
250g/8.8oz Streaky Bacon, diced
1 Small Onion, finely diced
6 Large Eggs
1 1/2 Cups Whole Milk
7 Cups Plain Bread (use baguettes not flat bread), cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 Tsp Season All Seasoning (see note)
1 Tsp Dijon Mustard
Salt & Pepper
2 Cups Shredded Monterrey Jack or Cheddar cheese
Method:
Cook the onions until softened remove from pan and drain on a paper towel. Add the bacon and cook until lightly browned and crispy. Remove from pan and drain on the same paper towel with the onions (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping).
Whisk the eggs, milk, season all, mustard, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the bread, 1 1/2 cups cheese, onions and bacon to the egg mixture. Mix well. Cover and set aside in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (until all the egg is soaked into the bread).
To Bake –
Preheat oven 180C/350F.
Generously butter grease a 20cm/8-inch springform cake tin.
Pour the bread mixture into the cake tin and softly pat down. Scatter with reserved bacon and remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Cover loosely with foil.
Bake in oven for 30 minutes, remove foil and bake a further 25-30 minutes until golden on top.
Allow to rest for 5 minutes before removing the springform. Garnish with parsley and cut into slices to serve. Enjoy!
NOTE:
If you know your springform pan is prone to leaking, place it on a tray with baking paper underneath. The bread should soak up most of the egg so there should be little leakage, if at all. The strata can also be made in a normal shallow baking dish.
Season All is a blend of spices with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chilli powder, salt and pepper.
Variations:
- Veggie Add-ins: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Meat Options: Swap bacon for sausage, ham, or pancetta for a different twist.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or feta for varied tastes.
- Bread Types: Use different types of bread like sourdough, whole grain, or croissants for a unique texture.
Tips:
- Stale Bread: Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better texture and absorption.
- Soaking Time: Allow the mixture to sit for at least an hour (or overnight) to let the bread absorb the egg mixture thoroughly.
- Cheese Layering: Sprinkle some cheese on top before baking for a golden, crispy crust.
- Seasoning: Don’t forget to season well with salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the flavor.
To store Bacon & Cheese Breakfast Strata:
- Cool Down: Allow the strata to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Refrigerate: Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or use an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat refrigerated strata in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For frozen strata, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
The nutritional information for Bacon & Cheese Breakfast Strata can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. Here’s a general idea for a typical serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 250-350
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Fat: 15-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
- Fiber: 1-3 grams
- Sugars: 3-5 grams
- Cholesterol: 150-200 mg
- Sodium: 600-900 mg
For precise nutritional details, calculate based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe.