Cheese and Bacon Breakfast Strata Cake Recipe

Forget dry toast and predictable pastries! Prepare to unveil a show-stopping breakfast centerpiece: a Cheese and Bacon Breakfast Strata Cake. This isn't just breakfast; it's a flavor-packed adventure disguised as a cake, and you're about to discover how to create this impressive dish with ease.

About This Recipe

I call this recipe a Strata Cake, but you might know it as a breakfast casserole, savory French toast bake, or even savory bread pudding—no matter the name, it's absolutely delicious! It tastes like a cross between a quiche, French toast, and an omelet.

This recipe is great 'cause you can prep it ahead of time, making it perfect for feeding a crowd! We're turning regular breakfast into something special. The addition of cheese and bacon elevates the dish, similar to the delightful Bacon Egg Breakfast Muffins. Got leftover bread and want to make your bacon go further? You're in luck! Plus, you can totally customize it with add-ins. It's not just breakfast; it's an adventure in deliciousness. Imagine all the possibilities! It's all about that gooey, savory goodness. Trust me, this will be your new breakfast obsession!

Ingredients Needed

Let's dive right into what you'll need to whip up this awesome dish! First, you're gonna need 300g – about 10 ounces – of diced bacon. Or ham; whatever floats your boat!

Grab 6 large eggs, and 1 1/4 cups of milk. Full cream or low fat, I don't judge! Don't forget 1/4 teaspoon of salt, a dash of black pepper – and now for the star: 7 cups of plain bread cut into 1-inch cubes. Stale bread's best – it soaks up the good stuff better, trust me. I like to use baguettes.

Finally, you'll need 2 cups of shredded cheese! Cheddar, Gouda, whatever melts well. Mozzarella is fine, but I'd add a pinch more salt if you go that route. Oh, and some parsley, optional of course. You fancy, huh? Just like in those delectable cheese pancakes, you can use cheddar for a rich, savory flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide

Now, I'll walk you through it! First, dice that bacon – all but 2 tablespoons, because we need some for topping! Fry it up in a large pan until it's lightly browned, then drain it on paper towels.

Next up: egg time! Whisk those 6 eggs with your milk, salt, and pepper. Then, toss in the bread cubes, most of the cheese (save some for topping, obviously!), and the cooked bacon. Mix it well, cover, and chill for at least 30 minutes – or even overnight. This lets the bread soak up all that eggy goodness!

Time to bake! Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a cake tin generously with butter – really get in there. Now, pour in the bread mixture, pat it down, and sprinkle with the reserved bacon and cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until golden and a skewer comes out clean.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!