Savory Bacon & Cheddar Breakfast Strata
Indulge in this delicious Savory Bacon & Cheddar Breakfast Strata, perfect for brunch gatherings or a hearty breakfast. Layered with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and vibrant scallions, this dish is both flavorful and satisfying. The diced tomatoes add a nice touch of moisture and tang, making it a balanced meal to kickstart your day. Easily prepared ahead of time, this strata is baked to golden perfection, creating a delightful dish that will impress family and friends alike. Serve it warm and watch everyone come back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Firm white bread
8 slices (cut to fit the baking dish)
Scallions
2 (chopped, including green parts)
Pre-cooked bacon
8 slices (chopped)
Sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Diced tomatoes
14 ounces (drained)
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Milk
1.5 cups (whole or your choice of milk)
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Hot pepper sauce
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Grease a shallow baking dish with cooking spray.
3
Place four slices of firm white bread in a single layer in the bottom of the dish, cutting the slices as necessary to fit snugly.
4
Sprinkle half of the chopped scallions, followed by half of the chopped pre-cooked bacon, half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and half of the drained diced tomatoes over the bread layer.
5
Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, scallions, bacon, cheese, and tomatoes.
6
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce until well combined.
7
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and toppings, ensuring that all ingredients are moistened.
8
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 hours if preparing ahead of time.
9
Remove the cover before baking and place the dish in the preheated oven.
10
Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and the egg is set. If the strata is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil for the remaining baking time.
11
Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Bacon & Cheddar Breakfast Strata?
It is a hearty brunch dish layered with bread, bacon, cheese, scallions, and tomatoes in an egg custard.
What are the key flavors in this dish?
The dish features smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, savory scallions, and tangy tomatoes.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Grease a shallow baking dish with cooking spray before starting.
How many slices of bread are used?
The recipe calls for 8 slices of firm white bread.
Why is firm white bread recommended?
Firm bread holds up better against the liquid egg mixture without becoming too mushy.
How is the strata layered?
It is built in two layers, each containing bread, scallions, bacon, cheese, and tomatoes.
How many scallions are needed?
Use two chopped scallions, including the green parts.
Is the bacon pre-cooked?
Yes, use 8 slices of pre-cooked bacon, chopped.
What kind of cheese is best?
The recipe specifies one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
Yes, ensure the 14 ounces of diced tomatoes are well-drained.
What is in the egg mixture?
It consists of 3 beaten eggs, 1.5 cups of milk, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce.
Can I use any type of milk?
Yes, you can use whole milk or your choice of milk.
How much black pepper is added?
Use 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Is there a spicy kick?
A small amount (1/8 teaspoon) of hot pepper sauce is added for flavor, but it is not overly spicy.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before baking.
Should I cover it in the fridge?
Yes, cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil while refrigerating.
Do I bake it covered or uncovered?
Remove the cover before placing the dish in the preheated oven.
How long does the strata bake?
Bake for approximately 45 minutes.
How do I check for doneness?
The top should be lightly browned and the egg mixture should be set.
What if it browns too quickly?
Loosely cover the dish with foil for the remaining baking time.
Should I let it rest after baking?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Can I use different bread?
While firm white bread is suggested, you can use other sturdy breads like sourdough.
Is this recipe good for groups?
Yes, it is described as perfect for brunch gatherings and family meals.
Can I use a different cheese?
You can substitute sharp cheddar with other melting cheeses like Swiss or Gruyere.
What does the tomato add?
The diced tomatoes add moisture and a nice tangy balance to the savory bacon.
How many layers are in the dish?
There are two layers of bread and toppings.
Can I add more eggs?
The recipe is balanced for 3 eggs, but adding more might make it more custard-like.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is golden and crispy on top with a soft, savory interior.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is categorized as a savory comfort food dish.