Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Nutrition Profile:
Sesame-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free
Nutrition Notes:
Are Eggs Good for You?
Eggs were once deemed unhealthy, particularly for those with heart disease, but now most people can enjoy them in moderation. Dietary cholesterol has minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels, and the saturated fats in eggs may not be as harmful as other forms. Eggs are rich in nutrients, providing complete protein, vitamin B12, choline, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin for healthy vision.
Is Cheese Healthy?
Cheese has also faced criticism due to its fat content, similar to eggs, but the saturated fat in cheese may not be as unhealthy as other types.
Tips from the Test Kitchen:
What Is the Difference Between a Breakfast Casserole and a Strata?
A strata, a type of breakfast casserole, is essentially a savory bread pudding. It is often prepared the night before to allow the egg and milk to soak into the bread before baking the next morning. The result resembles a soufflé, so expect it to rise while baking and deflate slightly once out of the oven.
What Is the Difference Between Center-Cut Bacon and Regular?
Center-cut bacon is sold with the fatty ends removed, unlike regular bacon. Both types are usually priced the same, so the choice is based on preference. You can find center-cut bacon alongside regular bacon in the refrigerator aisle of supermarkets.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I Make This Strata Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Assemble the strata the night before and refrigerate it. This allows the bread to absorb the eggs and other ingredients, making breakfast preparation simple. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days or frozen for up to three months.
Ingredients:
3 slices of center-cut bacon, chopped (about 1/3 cup)
1 1/2 cups of chopped yellow onion
5 ounces of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
8 ounces of crusty whole-wheat sourdough bread, cubed (1-inch; about 4 cups)
3/4 cup of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
1 1/2 cups of half-and-half
2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon of salt
5 large eggs
Directions:
1. Coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.
3. Cook onion in the bacon drippings until softened and translucent. Remove from heat and stir in spinach.
4. Layer bread cubes, spinach mixture, and cheese in the baking dish.
5. Whisk half-and-half, mustard, pepper, nutmeg, salt, and eggs together. Pour over the bread mixture and top with reserved bacon.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the strata uncovered until puffed and golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: about 1 cup
Calories: 249
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 146mg
Carbohydrates: 19g
Total Sugars: 5g
Added Sugars: 0g
Protein: 13g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 455mg
Potassium: 282mg
