Cheese and Bacon Breakfast Strata
Ingredients:
8 slices of bread (preferably day-old, cubed)
1 lb (450 g) bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Bread and Bacon:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place the cubed bread in the baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon evenly over the bread.
Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the bacon and bread.
Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Assemble the Strata:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, bacon, and cheese in the baking dish. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure the bread absorbs the egg mixture.
Bake the Strata:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the strata is golden brown and puffed, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the strata from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
