Bacon, Egg and Cheese Strata

Published Dec. 19, 2024

Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes (15 minutes prep, 1 hour 20 minutes active cooking, 2+ hours chilling)

Servings: 6–8

Difficulty: Moderate (Requires advance preparation)

Introduction

This crowd-pleasing strata transforms classic breakfast flavors into a comforting, make-ahead dish perfect for holiday gatherings, brunch, or family breakfasts. Layers of toasted brioche, crispy bacon, and a creamy egg mixture bake into a rich, savory centerpiece, with optional cheese and extra eggs on top for added indulgence.

Ingredients

• Bread: 1 (11–13 oz) package brioche sandwich rolls or kaiser rolls, cut into ~2-inch chunks (12 cups total)

• Bacon: 12 oz thick-cut bacon, each strip cut into 4 equal pieces

• Eggs: 18 large eggs (12 for the base mixture, 6 reserved for topping)

• Milk: 1½ cups whole milk

• Herbs: ¼ cup finely chopped chives, plus extra for garnish

• Seasonings: 1½ tsp salt (divided), 1½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (divided), pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

• Cheese: 8 oz sharp Cheddar, coarsely grated (about 2½ cups)

• Butter: For greasing the baking dish

• Hot Sauce: For serving (optional)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheets

Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line two rimmed baking sheets: one for bread, one for bacon (or use a single sheet, alternating bread and bacon to save space).

Step 2: Toast Bread & Cook Bacon

• Toast Bread: Arrange bread chunks in a single layer on the first baking sheet. Bake 10–15 minutes until dried out and lightly golden brown. Transfer to a plate to cool slightly.

• Cook Bacon: While bread toasts, bake bacon strips for 15–20 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

• Storage Tip: If prepping ahead, store toasted bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; wrap cooled bacon tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Step 3: Mix Egg Base

In a large bowl, whisk 12 eggs until smooth. Add milk, ¼ cup chives, 1½ tsp salt, 1½ tsp pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper. Whisk vigorously to combine.

Step 4: Assemble & Soak

• Butter a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.

• Arrange toasted bread in a single layer (small gaps between chunks help absorption).

• Pour egg mixture evenly over bread, ensuring all bread is submerged.

• Cover tightly with plastic wrap (or foil) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) to allow bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.

Step 5: First Bake to Set

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove strata from fridge, uncover, and tuck crispy bacon pieces between bread chunks. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the top firms but the center remains slightly wet (this ensures even cooking).

Step 6: Top with Cheese & Eggs

• Remove from oven, sprinkle Cheddar evenly over the top.

• Use the back of a large spoon to create 6 small indentations (one per serving). Crack 6 eggs into the indentations; season each with a pinch of salt and pepper.

• Return to oven and bake 20–25 minutes until egg whites are set and cheese melts into a golden crust.

Step 7: Rest & Serve

Let the strata rest 5 minutes before slicing into 6–8 portions. Garnish with extra chives and serve hot, with hot sauce on the side.

Tips & Community Feedback

Pro Tips

• Soaking is Critical: The 2+ hour soak ensures bread absorbs enough moisture; skipping it leads to dry, uneven texture.

• Bread Shortcut: For time-crunched days, skip toasting bread and extend soaking by 30 minutes.

• Make-Ahead Flexibility: Assemble up to 24 hours early (without the final cheese/egg step). Add cheese/eggs, cover, and refrigerate; bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes.

Community Insights

• Alternative Egg-Free Top: Omit the 6 eggs and increase cheese to 10 oz (3 cups) for a richer, smoother finish.

• Crowd-Favorite Variation: Some users add cheese during soaking or skip bread-toasting, adapting to taste without compromising flavor.

Enjoy this indulgent, crowd-pleasing strata—perfect for special occasions or lazy weekend mornings!