This strata cake thing is a big breakfast you bake in one dish. It uses layers of old bread, eggs, cheese and bacon, all stuck together and baked real good. You can mix in things you like so its good for a quick brunch or family mornings when everyones busy. It saves you from making a ton of plates and the kids love it cause its really tasty.
What is a Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake?
Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake is like a thick breakfast bake where you layer cubed bread, whisked eggs, crispy bacon and gooey cheese. The word “strata” comes from Italian and it just means layer, which is exactly how you put it together. Its perfect for feeding a crowd since everyones happy with a warm, filling dish.
You usually grab a sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta so it dont turn to mush when it soaks up the egg mix. Cheese can be sharp cheddar or mozzarella, and bacon gives it a nice crunch. You make it ahead, pop it in the oven when you wake up, and boom – breakfast is ready without the morning chaos.
The rich combo of cheese and bacon tastes amazing and it feels like a treat, so no wonder it’s a brunch favorite for a lot of people.
The main ingredients typically include bread—often something hearty like ciabatta or sourdough—along with a variety of cheeses that can range from sharp cheddar to creamy mozzarella. Bacon adds a savory crunch, elevating the dish into a delightful balance of textures and flavors. With its ability to be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, the Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake has garnered immense popularity among brunch enthusiasts and family breakfasts alike. It’s not just another egg dish; it’s a celebration of flavor that brings people together.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
Understanding the key ingredients of the Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake is crucial to appreciating its deliciousness and versatility. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish truly special.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
Understanding the key ingredients of the Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake is crucial to appreciating its deliciousness and versatility. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish truly special.
Bread
Bread is the base of the strata cake, giving it shape and texture. I like using ciabatta or sourdough cause they hold up when soaked in eggs and milk. If you toast the cubes a bit first it gets a nice crunch on top, but still stays soft inside.
Cheese
Cheese makes everything better. Sharp cheddar gives a tangy punch and mozzarella makes it all stretchy and gooey. You can even mix in a couple types to up the flavor. The cheese melts into the eggs and bread so each bite is cheesy heaven.
Bacon
Bacon brings in the salty, smoky taste that you cant resist. Cook it until its crispy then crumble it over the layers. You could try turkey bacon if you want a lighter twist, but regular bacon is hard to beat.
Eggs
Eggs hold the strata together and give that custardy texture. They also add protein so you feel full longer. Whisk them with milk and some seasonings, and they soak into the bread cubes making it all soft and creamy.
How to Make Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake
Ingredients List
Here’s what you will need to create a flavorful Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake:
- 10 slices of bread (ciabatta or sourdough)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Preparation of Ingredients
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut bread into cubes and spread them on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until golden and a bit crispy.
Step 2: Mixing the Egg Mixture
In a big bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until smooth. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard if you’re using it. This mix gives flavor and moisture to the strata.
Step 3: Assembling the Strata
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the toasted bread cubes in the bottom, then half of the cheese and half of the bacon. Pour half of the egg mix over it. Repeat with the rest of the bread, cheese, bacon, and egg mix so it’s all spread out evenly.
Step 4: Baking and Serving
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Take off the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and eggs are set. Let it rest a few minutes before you cut into it. Sprinkle with chives or parsley if you want a pop of color.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
To get the best from your Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake, try these tips:
- Let it Sit: If you let the assembled strata rest for 30 minutes or even overnight, the bread soaks up more egg mix for a custardy inside.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Swap cheeses or toss in veggies like spinach or bell peppers to mix it up.
- Reheating Leftovers: Warm slices in the oven or microwave, but be careful not to dry it out.
Variations on the Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake
Vegetarian Options
Want to skip the bacon? Use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based bacon substitute. You still get a lot of flavor and texture.
Gourmet Variations
Upgrade the strata with fancy ingredients like truffle oil, Gruyère or goat cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean spin.
Seasonal Strata Ideas
Add whatever’s in season: roasted butternut squash in fall, asparagus in spring, or mixed summer veggies to keep it fresh all year.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake with:
- Fresh fruit salad for a light, sweet side
- Hot coffee or herbal tea to go with the brunch vibe
You can also top it with chopped chives or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
FAQs about Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake
How do you store leftover strata?
Put leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave until warm.
Can you make strata ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it, cover with foil, and stick it in the fridge overnight. Bake it the next morning for an easy start.
What’s the best bread for a strata?
Hearty bread like ciabatta, sourdough, or challah works best cause they soak up the egg mix without falling apart.
Can you freeze strata?
Sure, freeze cooked strata by wrapping it tight in plastic and foil. It lasts up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Conclusion
To wrap up, Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake is a tasty, flexible breakfast dish that you can tweak to your taste. With simple ingredients and easy prep, it’s a cool way to feed friends or family without the morning rush.
Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake – Breakfast Casserole
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 aluminum foil
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 10 slices crusty bread About 10 ounces, cut into cubes.
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese About 4 ounces.
- 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon About 8 slices.
- 1 cup diced onion 1 medium onion.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika Optional.
- to taste fresh herbs For garnish, optional.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
- Place the bread cubes evenly in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked bacon, diced onion, and shredded cheese over the bread.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and toppings, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Gently press down with a spatula to help the bread soak up the liquid.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- When ready to bake, uncover the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
