Bacon and cheese strata is a classic dish that combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and hearty bread into a satisfying breakfast or brunch casserole.
This savory dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family meal. With layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and bacon, every bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. .
Follow along with this detailed recipe to create your own bacon and cheese strata that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bread, cubed
- 8 slices of bacon
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serves: 8 people
Estimated time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 60 minutes
- Total: 75 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
Step-by-Step Preparation:
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, set it aside to drain excess grease. Then, crumble the bacon.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining ingredients.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread, bacon, and cheese.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the strata in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the strata to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Facts:
Each serving of Bacon and Cheese Breakfast Strata contains approximately:
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
This Bacon and Cheese Breakfast Strata is a breakfast delight that can be prepared the night before, making your morning routine smooth and stress-free. The hearty combination of bacon, cheese, and bread, soaked in an egg and milk mixture, creates a wonderfully satisfying and flavorful dish.
Wake up to the heavenly smell of this delicious breakfast strata baking in your oven. It’s a recipe that will impress your family and friends with its comforting taste and pleasing presentation. Start your day with our make-ahead Bacon and Cheese Breakfast Strata and experience breakfast like never before!
Tips:
- Use Stale Bread: Stale bread works best for strata as it absorbs the egg mixture more easily without becoming soggy. If you don’t have stale bread, you can cut fresh bread into cubes and let it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly.
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. In addition to cheddar and Gruyère, you can try mozzarella, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese you like.
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value of your strata by adding sautéed vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or tomatoes. Simply layer them between the bread and cheese for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the strata the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes breakfast preparation a breeze the next morning. Just pop it in the oven and bake until golden and bubbly.
- Crispy Bacon: For extra crispy bacon, you can cook it in a skillet on the stovetop instead of baking it in the oven. Simply fry the bacon until crispy, then drain it on paper towels before chopping and adding it to the strata.
Variations:
- Sausage and Mushroom Strata: Replace the bacon with cooked sausage crumbles and add sautéed mushrooms to the layers for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.
- Mediterranean Strata: Use feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like oregano and basil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
- Veggie Lover’s Strata: Load up the strata with an assortment of your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, carrots, and asparagus for a hearty and wholesome dish.
- Mexican-Inspired Strata: Add diced green chilies, black beans, corn, and Mexican cheese blend to the layers, and top with salsa and avocado slices for a south-of-the-border twist.
- Caprese Strata: Layer slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves between the bread cubes, then drizzle with balsamic glaze before baking for a flavorful Italian-inspired dish.
- Breakfast for Dinner: Serve the bacon and cheese strata with a side of crispy hash browns and fresh fruit salad for a satisfying breakfast-for-dinner option that the whole family will love.
Experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own unique variations of this classic dish. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or get creative with your additions, bacon and cheese strata is sure to be a hit at any meal!
History of the Dish
- Bacon and Cheese Strata can be traced back to the concept of bread pudding, a dish that has been enjoyed for centuries.
- Bread pudding, typically made with stale bread soaked in a mixture of milk, eggs, and sugar, was a way to repurpose leftover bread and create a delicious and comforting dessert.
- Over time, variations of bread pudding emerged, with savory versions incorporating ingredients like cheese, vegetables, and meats.
- The evolution of this dish eventually led to the creation of strata, which is essentially a savory bread pudding baked in layers with additional ingredients.
- The exact origins of bacon and cheese strata are unclear, but it likely gained popularity in the United States during the mid to late 20th century.
- As American cuisine embraced the idea of brunch as a leisurely meal, dishes like strata became a popular choice for gatherings and special occasions.
- Bacon and cheese strata embodies the essence of comfort food, with its hearty layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and bacon providing a satisfying and indulgent eating experience.
- Its versatility also contributes to its enduring appeal, as home cooks can easily customize the dish with their favorite ingredients and flavors.
- Today, bacon and cheese strata remains a beloved breakfast or brunch option, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family meal.
- Its rich and savory flavors, combined with its make-ahead convenience, continue to make it a staple in kitchens across the country.
- Whether served at a holiday brunch or a casual weekend breakfast, bacon and cheese strata is sure to delight taste buds and bring people together around the table.
Bacon and cheese strata is a timeless dish that is sure to please any crowd. With its layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon, it’s the perfect combination of savory flavors and comforting textures.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or simply craving a cozy breakfast at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a slice of this heavenly dish – you won’t be disappointed!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Bacon and Cheese Strata:
Can I use regular sandwich bread for strata?
Yes, you can use regular sandwich bread for strata, but it’s best to use a sturdy bread that can hold up to soaking in the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. French bread, sourdough, or Italian bread work well, and using slightly stale bread can help prevent the strata from becoming overly mushy.
Can I make bacon and cheese strata ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making bacon and cheese strata ahead of time is one of its great advantages. You can assemble the strata the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the bread to absorb the egg mixture. Then, simply bake it in the morning for a stress-free breakfast or brunch option.
Can I freeze bacon and cheese strata?
While you can freeze bacon and cheese strata, it’s not recommended, as freezing can alter the texture of the dish. The eggs may become slightly rubbery upon thawing, and the bread can become mushy. If you do choose to freeze leftovers, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and consume them within 1-2 months for the best quality.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! One of the great things about bacon and cheese strata is its versatility. You can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Cheddar and Gruyère are classic choices, but you can also try mozzarella, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or any other cheese you like. Mixing different cheeses can add complexity and depth of flavor to the dish.
Can I make bacon and cheese strata vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of bacon and cheese strata by omitting the bacon and adding more vegetables or other meat substitutes. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes make excellent additions to the dish. You can also experiment with vegetarian bacon or sausage alternatives for a similar smoky flavor.
Can I serve bacon and cheese strata with any sauces or toppings?
While bacon and cheese strata is delicious on its own, you can certainly serve it with additional sauces or toppings to enhance the flavors. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top adds a creamy tanginess, while a drizzle of hot sauce or maple syrup can provide a sweet and spicy contrast. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley make a great garnish for added freshness and color. Feel free to get creative and customize the dish to your liking!
These frequently asked questions should help you navigate the preparation and serving of bacon and cheese strata with ease.
If you have any additional inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out for further assistance!