Cheese & Bacon Breakfast Strata Cake (Breakfast Casserole!) Recipe
Introduction
This Cheese & Bacon Breakfast Strata Cake is a delicious and hearty breakfast casserole that’s perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. Packed with savory bacon, melty cheese, and soft bread soaked in an egg custard, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 300g / 10 oz bacon, diced (or ham)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk (full cream or low fat)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 7 cups (packed) plain bread, cut into 2 cm / 1 inch cubes (preferably slightly stale)
- 2 cups cheese, shredded
- Parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add all but 2 tablespoons of diced bacon (reserve some for topping) and cook until lightly browned. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: Add the bread cubes, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, and the cooked bacon to the egg mixture. Stir well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Step 5: Grease a 20cm (8 inch) springform cake tin generously with butter. If you don’t have a springform tin, a regular cake pan will work, but be mindful of possible leakage.
- Step 6: Transfer the bread mixture into the prepared tin, pressing down gently to compact.
- Step 7: Scatter the reserved raw bacon and the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese evenly over the top. Cover loosely with foil.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: Let the strata rest for 5 minutes before releasing the springform or turning it out. Garnish with parsley if desired. Slice and serve warm. Enjoy on a plate with a fork or simply with your hands!
Tips & Variations
- Use slightly stale bread to absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.
- Swap bacon for diced ham or cooked sausage for different meat flavors.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Use a sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses to deepen the flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in a microwave or oven until warmed through. For best texture, reheat in an oven to preserve the crispy top.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes! Soaking the bread overnight allows the flavors to meld and makes morning prep easier.
What type of bread works best?
Plain white bread or baguette cubes work well, especially if slightly stale. Avoid heavily seeded or sweet breads to keep the classic savory taste.
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Cheese & Bacon Breakfast Strata Cake (Breakfast Casserole!) Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes to overnight (if soaking bread overnight)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and hearty Cheese & Bacon Breakfast Strata Cake, perfect as a breakfast casserole. This savory dish combines crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, rich cheese, and cubes of bread soaked overnight to create a comforting and satisfying meal, ideal for serving family or guests on a weekend morning.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 300g / 10 oz bacon, diced (or ham)
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk (full cream or low fat)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Bread & Cheese
- 7 cups (packed) plain bread, cut into 2 cm / 1 inch cubes (preferably slightly stale, e.g. baguettes)
- 2 cups cheese, shredded (divided as 1 1/2 cups and 1/2 cup)
Garnish (Optional)
- Parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook bacon: Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add all but 2 tablespoons of diced bacon (reserve some for topping) and cook until lightly browned. Remove the cooked bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- Whisk eggs and milk: In a large bowl, whisk together the six eggs, 1 1/4 cups milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste until fully combined.
- Soak bread: Add the cubed bread, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, and cooked bacon to the egg mixture. Mix well to ensure all the bread is soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), suitable for all oven types.
- Prepare cake tin: Generously grease a 20cm (8 inch) springform cake tin or a similar cake pan without loose sides with butter to prevent sticking and leakage.
- Fill the tin: Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared cake tin. Pat down gently to compress the mixture evenly. Sprinkle the reserved uncooked bacon and remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese over the top. Cover loosely with foil.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Rest and serve: Allow the strata cake to rest for 5 minutes before removing it from the springform tin or turning out onto a serving plate. Garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired. Cut into slices and serve warm.
Notes
- Using slightly stale bread helps the bread absorb the egg mixture better without becoming too soggy.
- Choose your favorite cheese for shredding, such as cheddar or a mild cheese, for best flavor.
- Springform pans are convenient to remove the strata without damage, but if using a regular cake pan, line with parchment paper to reduce sticking risk.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick breakfast or brunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Breakfast strata, bacon breakfast casserole, cheese breakfast bake, savory bread pudding, brunch recipe
