Cheese & Bacon Breakfast Strata Cake: A Hearty Morning Delight

Introduction

If you’re looking for a breakfast dish that is easy to prepare, incredibly delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd, look no further than the Cheese & Bacon Breakfast Strata Cake. This baked breakfast casserole is a combination of fluffy eggs, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and hearty bread, all infused with rich flavors from seasonings and cream. It's ideal for brunch gatherings, weekend family breakfasts, or even meal-prepping for busy mornings.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making this delightful strata cake, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, useful tips, and frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.

• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for brunch parties or family gatherings.

• Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste.

• Effortless & Delicious: Minimal prep for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Cheese & Bacon Breakfast Strata Cake:

Core Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)

Flavor Boosters:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 4 cups cubed bread (day-old bread works best)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble it into small pieces.

• Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

• Cube the bread into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh bread, toast the cubes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to dry them out slightly.

2. Make the Egg Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

3. Assemble the Strata Cake

• Layer half of the bread cubes into the greased cake pan.

• Sprinkle half of the shredded cheeses and crumbled bacon over the bread.

• Pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the layers.

• Repeat the layering process with the remaining bread, cheese, and bacon.

• Pour the remaining egg mixture over the top.

• Gently press down with a spatula to ensure the bread soaks up the egg mixture.

4. Let It Rest

• Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results). This allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a rich and fluffy texture after baking.

5. Bake the Strata Cake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

• Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

• Let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

• Garnish with chopped green onions or chives.

• Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips for the Best Strata Cake

• Use Stale Bread: Slightly dried-out bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a perfect texture.

• Let It Soak: Letting the strata sit overnight enhances flavor and texture.

• Customize Your Ingredients: Swap bacon for sausage, ham, or smoked salmon. Use Swiss, Gouda, or pepper jack cheese for variation.

• Prevent Sogginess: Avoid overly soft bread like white sandwich bread. Choose sourdough, ciabatta, or a rustic baguette for better structure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Strata Cake Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake it fresh.

2. Can I Freeze Leftovers?

Yes! Slice the cooled strata into portions, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. What’s the Best Type of Bread to Use?

Day-old bread works best. Sourdough, ciabatta, French bread, or brioche are great choices.

4. Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option.

5. How Do I Know When the Strata Cake Is Done?

The center should be set and slightly puffed. Insert a toothpick or knife—if it comes out clean, it's ready.

6. Can I Use a Different Cheese?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like Gruyère, feta, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

The Cheese & Bacon Breakfast Strata Cake is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. Whether you’re making it ahead for a busy morning or serving it fresh for a gathering, this strata cake is sure to impress with its rich flavors and hearty texture.

So, gather your ingredients, bake up a delicious breakfast, and enjoy every bite of this indulgent yet simple dish. Happy cooking!

Do you have any questions or tips about making the perfect strata cake? Let us know in the comments below!