Savory Overnight Strata with Canadian Bacon and Leeks
Prepare an indulgent breakfast treat that will wow your guests! This Savory Overnight Strata combines the rich flavors of Canadian bacon with the subtle sweetness of leeks, fresh thyme, and sharp cheddar cheese, all nestled between layers of toasted English muffins. The mixture is soaked in a creamy egg custard that enhances every bite. Simply assemble the strata the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a delightful breakfast that allows you to relax and enjoy your company. Serve alongside your favorite brunch sides for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Canadian bacon
6 ounces (cut into medium dice)
large leek
1 (white part only, sliced thin)
fresh thyme
2 teaspoons (de-stemmed and chopped)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
fresh ground black pepper
¾ teaspoon (divided)
eggs
8 (whisked)
half-and-half or milk
3 cups (none)
Creole mustard
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh chives
¼ cup (thinly sliced)
farmhouse sharp cheddar cheese
¾ cup (finely grated)
English muffins
4 (split and toasted)
Parmesan cheese
¼ cup (grated)
softened butter
1 tablespoon (for greasing)
Instructions
1
In a large sauté pan over medium heat, heat the extra virgin olive oil. Add the diced Canadian bacon and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to brown slightly.
2
Add the sliced leeks and fresh thyme to the pan, followed by ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the leeks are wilted and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or milk), Creole mustard, fresh chives, farmhouse sharp cheddar, ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper until well combined.
4
Grease an 8- by 8-inch square baking dish with softened butter. Layer the toasted English muffins in a shingled pattern, cut side down, covering the bottom of the dish evenly.
5
Fold the cooled Canadian bacon and leek mixture into the egg mixture until fully combined. Then, ladle the mixture generously over the English muffins, ensuring they are well soaked.
6
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, placing a plate on top to weigh it down gently, and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
7
In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator, uncover it, and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
8
Place the dish in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the strata to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Overnight Strata with Canadian Bacon and Leeks?
It is an indulgent breakfast dish featuring layers of toasted English muffins, Canadian bacon, leeks, and sharp cheddar soaked in a creamy egg custard.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients include extra virgin olive oil, Canadian bacon, leeks, fresh thyme, eggs, half-and-half or milk, Creole mustard, chives, sharp cheddar, English muffins, and Parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the Canadian bacon for the strata?
The Canadian bacon should be cut into a medium dice and sautéed in olive oil for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to brown.
Which part of the leek should be used?
The recipe specifies using only the white part of the large leek, which should be sliced thin.
How long should the leeks be cooked?
The leeks and fresh thyme should be sautéed with the bacon for about 4 to 5 minutes until the leeks are wilted and translucent.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
The recipe calls for 8 large eggs, which should be whisked together with the other liquid ingredients.
Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 3 cups of half-and-half or 3 cups of milk.
What kind of mustard is used in the egg mixture?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of Creole mustard to add flavor to the custard.
What type of cheese is mixed into the eggs?
The custard contains three-quarters of a cup of finely grated farmhouse sharp cheddar cheese.
How should the English muffins be prepared?
You need 4 English muffins that are split and toasted before being layered in the dish.
What size baking dish is needed?
The strata should be assembled in an 8- by 8-inch square baking dish.
How do I grease the baking dish?
Use 1 tablespoon of softened butter to grease the baking dish before adding any ingredients.
In what pattern should the English muffins be placed?
The muffins should be layered in a shingled pattern, cut side down, to evenly cover the bottom of the dish.
When should the bacon and leek mixture be added?
Once the bacon and leeks have cooled completely, fold them into the egg mixture before pouring it over the English muffins.
Why is the strata weighed down during refrigeration?
Placing a plate on top to weigh it down gently ensures the English muffins are well-soaked and helps the flavors meld overnight.
How long does the strata need to be refrigerated?
The dish should be covered and refrigerated overnight.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
What is sprinkled on top before baking?
Remove the cover and sprinkle a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the strata.
How long does the strata take to bake?
The dish should be baked in the center of the oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
How can I tell if the strata is finished cooking?
The strata is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Does the strata need to rest after baking?
Yes, allow the strata to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
What herbs provide the fresh flavor in this dish?
Fresh thyme and thinly sliced fresh chives are used to season the strata.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
A total of 1 teaspoon of kosher salt is used, divided between the sauté process and the egg mixture.
What type of pepper is recommended?
The recipe calls for three-quarters of a teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, also divided.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
While fresh thyme is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute with a smaller amount of dried thyme if fresh is unavailable.
Is this a good dish for entertaining?
Yes, because it is assembled the night before, it allows the host to relax and enjoy company in the morning.
What should I serve with the strata?
It is best served alongside your favorite brunch sides, such as fresh fruit or a light salad.
Why must the bacon mixture cool before adding it to the eggs?
The mixture must be completely cooled to prevent the heat from cooking or curdling the raw eggs when they are combined.
Can I use a different type of bread?
The recipe specifically calls for toasted English muffins for their texture, but other sturdy breads like sourdough could be used as a variation.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
An 8- by 8-inch strata typically yields 6 to 9 servings depending on the size of the slices.