simplefoodie
Author: Simple Foodie

Bacon & Herbs Strata

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Bacon & Herbs Strata

Prep Time:
Cooking Time:
Strata: 1

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Bacon and Herbs Strata Recipe. Strata is defined as layers. And this is what you will get with this recipe. Layers of delicious bread slices of your choice, delicious bacon and medley of fine melting cheese. This is a great recipe for a crowd that is assembled the day before and baked just as they arrive for your gathering.

Ingredients


bread -slices 10
unsalted butter 3 Tbsps softened
bacon 1 lb
chive 3 Tbsps
Italian parsley 3 Tbsps minced
tarragon 1 Tbsp minced
shallot 1 diced
Emmental 3 oz grated
cheddar cheese 3 oz grated
Parmesan cheese 1 oz grated
egg 12
half & half 3 1/2 cups
salt 1/2 tsp to taste
black pepper 1/4 tsp to taste
Topping
Parmesan cheese 3 Tbsps


Directions

  1. Spread the bread slices on a baking sheet and place in an oven at 375 degrees for 20 minutes until toasted. Remove the crusts from the bread slices. Butter one side of the bread slices and cut the slice into 3 equal size strips.
  2. In batches spread out the bacon spread evenly in a sauté pan and place over high heat for 1 minute. Turn over and fry for an additional minute. Do not crisp the bacon. Remove to a paper towel covered plate and repeat with the remaining bacon. Allow to cool and then cut into ˝ inch pieces.
  3. Combine the minced herbs, diced shallot and grated cheeses in a bowl.
  4. Grease the inside of a 12" x 9" casserole with the butter. Place a layer of the toasted bread strips butter side up inside of the casserole. Mix and match pieces so that there are no gaps or spaces showing. Evenly spread half of the minced herbs on top of the bread. Evenly cover with half of the grated cheeses.
  5. Cover with another layer of toasted bread strips and the remainder of the minced herbs and grated cheeses. Top with the remaining toasted bread strips.
  6. Beat the eggs and mix in the half & half and salt & pepper to taste. Slowly and evenly pour over the bread slices allowing it to soak into the layers. Tightly cover with plastic wrapping.
  7. Place weight on top of the plastic wrapping to compress the layers. Use items like bags of beans, rice, or sugar. The egg mixture might overflow so be ready to wipe up the excess with paper towels. Place in the refrigerator overnight.
  8. The next day preheat your oven to 325 degrees and remove the strata from the refrigerator. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the strata and place in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until the sides of the strata begin to release from the sides of the casserole and the top begins to brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.


Notes

The better the bread the better the strata so search for a delicious loaf of artisan bread and have it sliced. Actually get an extra loaf because you'll probably snack on some slices as they become toasted with butter.