Looking for a delicious and hearty dish to serve for brunch or a cozy breakfast at home? Look no further than our delightful Cheese Strata recipe! This savory, baked egg casserole is sure to impress your family and friends with its layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and flavorful seasonings. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining or enjoying a leisurely morning meal with loved ones. Let’s dive into this comforting recipe that will surely become a favorite in your home.
Title: Cheese Strata
Ingredients:
– 8 slices of bread, crusts removed
– 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage (optional)
– 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
– 6 large eggs
– 2 cups of milk
– 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
Instructions:
1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the bread slices into cubes and place half of them at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the bread cubes, followed by half of the cooked bacon or sausage, if using, and half of the chopped green onions.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread cubes, cheese, bacon or sausage, and green onions.
5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and cheese layers in the baking dish.
7. Cover the dish with foil and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
8. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while you preheat the oven.
9. Bake the Cheese Strata, covered with foil, for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
10. Once cooked, remove the Cheese Strata from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The strata can be garnished with extra green onions or a sprinkle of paprika for a touch of color.
Enjoy this warm and cheesy Cheese Strata as a delightful addition to your breakfast or brunch table. Its layers of flavors and textures are sure to please everyone around your table, making it a go-to recipe for special occasions or simply leisurely mornings at home. Experiment with different cheeses or add your favorite ingredients to customize this dish to your liking. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or fruit for a complete and satisfying meal that will have your guests coming back for seconds. This Cheese Strata is a versatile and comforting dish that is perfect for any time of day!
