Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of a warm, cheesy Bacon Spinach Cheddar Strata wafting through your kitchen—it's the perfect way to start your day! This hearty, savory dish combines crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and gooey cheddar cheese, all enveloped in a fluffy egg custard. Whether you're hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself to a delicious breakfast, this strata is sure to impress. With just a little prep and a bit of patience, you can create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to elevate your breakfast game? Let's dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 slices bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces.
- Cube the bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. If bread is fresh, lightly toast the cubes to help them absorb the egg mixture better.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with half of the bread cubes, creating an even base.
- Spread chopped fresh spinach evenly over the bread layer, followed by crumbled bacon pieces.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the spinach and bacon.
- Add the remaining bread cubes as a second layer, then pour the egg and milk mixture slowly and evenly over the entire dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for 15 minutes to allow bread to absorb the egg mixture.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the strata to firm up.
- Cut into squares and serve warm, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a sturdy bread like sourdough or French bread, as it will hold up better in the custard. If using fresh bread, lightly toasting the cubes will help them absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Let It Rest: After pouring the egg mixture over the layers, allow the strata to sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge). This resting period helps the bread absorb the flavors and ensures a perfectly textured dish.
- Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or even swap out the spinach for kale. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like feta or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
- Don’t Rush the Baking: Bake the strata covered for the first 25 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly. Removing the foil for the final 15-20 minutes allows the top to become beautifully golden and crispy.
- Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm, so allow it to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This will help it firm up, making it easier to cut into squares and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 240mg
