Bacon & Cheddar Strata

I prepare this sunrise specialty the day before Christmas so we have something cheesy and hearty to warm our tummies while we open gifts the next morning. The key to its perfection is to let it set overnight.

Bacon & Cheddar Strata

Average Rating: 4.7

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. + chilling Bake: 45 min.
YIELD: 10 servings.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound bacon strips
  • 1 medium sweet red pepper, finely chopped
  • 8 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
  • 8 slices white bread, cubed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1-1/2 cups 2% milk
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon in batches until crisp; drain on paper towels. Crumble into a small bowl. Add red pepper, onions and tomatoes. In a greased 13x9-in. baking dish, layer half each of the bread, bacon mixture and cheese. Top with remaining bread and bacon mixture.
  • 2. In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, mayonnaise and seasonings. Pour over top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • 3. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake, covered, 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 5-10 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 340 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.