Cheese Bacon Strata: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of crispy bacon mingling with melted cheese, all nestled within a soft, savory bread pudding. That’s the magic of a strata, and this particular recipe is about to become your new favorite.
The beauty of a strata lies in its simplicity and make-ahead nature. Originating as a resourceful way to use stale bread, this dish has evolved into a beloved comfort food enjoyed across generations. Think of it as a savory bread pudding, where layers of bread, cheese, and your favorite fillings are soaked in a rich egg custard and baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or even a satisfying weeknight dinner.
What makes this cheese bacon strata so special? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The crispy bacon provides a salty, smoky counterpoint to the creamy cheese and custardy bread. The dish is incredibly versatile, too! Feel free to customize it with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or even different types of meat. But trust me, the classic combination of cheese and bacon is a winner every time. People love this cheese bacon strata because it’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly convenient. You can assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning. What’s not to love?
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (1 pound) day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 12 large eggs
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted, for greasing the pan
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Preparing the Bread and Bacon:
- First things first, let’s get that bread ready. We want it to be slightly stale so it soaks up all that delicious custard. If your bread is still super fresh, you can cube it and leave it out on the counter for a few hours, or even overnight. This will help it dry out a bit.
- Now, for the bacon! Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. I prefer to cook mine in the oven it’s less messy and the bacon cooks more evenly. Place the bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. Once it’s cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
Assembling the Strata:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with the melted butter. Make sure you get all the corners and sides! This will prevent the strata from sticking and make it easier to serve.
- Now, we’re going to layer the ingredients in the baking dish. Start with half of the cubed bread. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Next, sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon over the bread. Try to distribute it evenly so every bite has some bacon goodness.
- Then, sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Gruyere cheese over the bacon. Again, even distribution is key!
- Repeat the layers: Add the remaining bread, bacon, and cheese. You should have a beautiful, cheesy, bacony mountain of deliciousness in your baking dish.
Preparing the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth. This is your custard, and it’s what will bind everything together and make the strata creamy and delicious.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread, bacon, and cheese mixture in the baking dish. Make sure the custard soaks into all the nooks and crannies. You might need to gently press down on the bread with a spoon to help it absorb the custard.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. This is important because it will help the bread soak up the custard evenly.
- Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and the flavors to meld together. The longer it chills, the better the strata will be!
Baking the Strata:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish.
- Bake the strata for 45-55 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and puffed up. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Let the strata cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow it to set up a bit and make it easier to slice.
Serving and Enjoying:
- Cut the strata into squares and serve warm.
- Garnish with chopped fresh chives, if desired. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, oniony flavor that complements the richness of the strata.
- This cheese bacon strata is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. It’s also great for potlucks and gatherings.
- Enjoy! This is a dish that’s sure to impress.
Tips and Variations:
- Bread: I prefer using day-old French bread for this recipe, but you can also use other types of bread, such as sourdough, Italian bread, or even croissants. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale so it soaks up the custard properly.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. You could use Swiss cheese, provolone cheese, or even pepper jack cheese for a little kick.
- Meat: If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can use sausage, ham, or even cooked chicken or turkey.
- Vegetables: You can also add vegetables to the strata. Some good options include sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spice: For a little extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the custard.
- Make-Ahead: This strata is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning. This is perfect for busy mornings or when you’re entertaining guests.
- Storage: Leftover strata can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Troubleshooting:
- Strata is too dry: If your strata is too dry, it could be because you didn’t use enough custard or because you baked it for too long. Next time, try using a little more custard or reducing the baking time.
- Strata is too soggy: If your strata is too soggy, it could be because you used too much custard or because you didn’t let the bread soak up the custard properly. Next time, try using a little less custard or letting the bread soak for a longer period of time.
- Strata is browning too quickly: If the top of your strata is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Nutritional Information (approximate):
Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 550-650 per serving
- Fat: 35-45g per serving
- Saturated Fat: 20-25g per serving
- Cholesterol: 250-300mg per serving
- Sodium: 800-1000mg per serving
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g per serving
- Fiber: 2-3g per serving
- Sugar: 5-7g per serving
- Protein: 25-30g per serving
Why This Recipe Works:
This cheese bacon strata recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Flavor Combination: The combination of salty bacon, savory cheese, and creamy custard is simply irresistible. It’s a flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: The fact that you can assemble this strata the night before makes it incredibly convenient for busy mornings or entertaining. It takes the stress out of preparing a delicious and impressive breakfast or brunch.
- Versatility: As mentioned earlier, this recipe is highly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by using different types of bread, cheese, meat, or vegetables. This allows you to create a strata that perfectly suits your taste preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This strata is always a hit with crowds. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need to feed a lot of people.
- Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, cheesy, and bacony strata. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good from the inside out.
Serving Suggestions:
While this cheese bacon strata is delicious on its own, here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Fresh Fruit: Serve the strata with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or grapes. The sweetness of the fruit will complement the savory flavors of the strata.
- Salad: A light and refreshing salad is a great accompaniment to the strata. Try a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
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Conclusion:
This cheese bacon strata isn’t just another breakfast casserole; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the crispy, salty bacon to the gooey, melted cheese and the custardy bread base, every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly versatile, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Its the kind of dish that will impress your brunch guests, become a family favorite, and even make a fantastic make-ahead dinner.
Think of it: waking up on a lazy Sunday morning to the aroma of baking bacon and cheese. No frantic cooking, no complicated steps, just pure, unadulterated breakfast bliss. That’s the magic of this strata. But the best part? You can totally customize it to your liking!
Want to kick things up a notch? Try adding some sautéed mushrooms and onions for an earthy flavor. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some diced ham or sausage for an extra protein boost. For a vegetarian option, swap the bacon for sun-dried tomatoes and spinach it’s equally delicious! And don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack they all work beautifully in this recipe.
Serving suggestions are endless. I love to serve this cheese bacon strata with a side of fresh fruit salad and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the strata perfectly. For a truly decadent brunch, pair it with mimosas or bloody marys. And if you’re serving it for dinner, a side of roasted vegetables or a hearty soup would be a great addition.
But really, the beauty of this recipe is that it’s forgiving and adaptable. Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Use what you have, get creative, and make it your own. That’s what cooking is all about, right?
I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family breakfasts to elegant holiday brunches. The combination of savory bacon, melted cheese, and the soft, comforting bread is simply irresistible.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate breakfast casserole. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any modifications? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos, comments, and suggestions in the comments section below. I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how you’ve put your own spin on my recipes. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious cheese bacon strata! I can’t wait to see what you create!
Cheese Bacon Strata: The Ultimate Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Decadent cheese bacon strata, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or light dinner. Make ahead for easy entertaining!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (1 pound) day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 12 large eggs
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted, for greasing the pan
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread and Bacon: Cube the bread and let it sit out to dry slightly. Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble.
- Assemble the Strata: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter. Layer half of the bread cubes in the dish. Sprinkle with half of the crumbled bacon and half of each cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere). Repeat layers with remaining bread, bacon, and cheeses.
- Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Soak: Pour the custard evenly over the bread, bacon, and cheese mixture. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and garnish with chopped fresh chives, if desired.
Notes
- Bread: Day-old French bread is preferred, but sourdough, Italian bread, or croissants can be used.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack.
- Meat: Substitute bacon with sausage, ham, cooked chicken, or turkey.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the custard for extra flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the strata the night before and bake in the morning.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Troubleshooting:
- Too Dry: Use more custard or reduce baking time.
- Too Soggy: Use less custard or let the bread soak longer.
- Browning Too Quickly: Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
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