0 Shares

This Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake is a savory breakfast casserole that combines the richness of eggs, bacon, milk, cheese, and bread into a deliciously comforting dish. It’s a cross between a quiche, an omelette, and savory French toast, with a cheesy custard filling and a golden crust. Perfect for serving a crowd, this dish can be prepped the night before and baked in the morning, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or brunch.

Full Recipe:

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) any plain bread (about 1 standard baguette or rolls), cut into 2 cm (1 inch) cubes
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, etc.)
Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Cook the Bacon: Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add the bacon and cook until lightly browned, then drain on a paper towel, reserving some for topping.
Whisk the Eggs and Milk: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
Soak the Bread: Add the bread cubes, 1 1/2 cups of cheese, and cooked bacon to the egg mixture. Mix well and cover. Set aside in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Generously grease a 20 cm (8-inch) springform cake pan with butter.
Assemble the Strata: Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared pan and gently press down. Sprinkle with reserved bacon and the remaining cheese.
Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Rest and Serve: Let the strata rest for 5 minutes before removing from the pan or turning it out. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: 376 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 178mg
Sodium: 902mg
Potassium: 316mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 549 IU
Calcium: 315mg
Iron: 2mg

This Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake is perfect for making ahead and is a delightful, hearty breakfast or brunch dish for any occasion!

What Makes Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake Special?

The Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. It’s a one-pan dish that blends the classic breakfast favorites—eggs, bacon, and cheese—into something more substantial. The bread cubes soak up the savory custard filling, creating a satisfying texture that is both creamy and slightly crispy. The bacon provides a delicious smoky crunch, while the cheese melts into the custard, creating pockets of gooey, cheesy goodness throughout.

One of the unique aspects of this strata cake is its ability to be made ahead. The bread cubes soak in the egg mixture, absorbing the flavors overnight, allowing the dish to be even more flavorful when baked. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply need a quick and easy breakfast, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.

The Key Ingredients for a Delicious Strata Cake

The ingredients for this Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake are simple yet full of flavor. Here’s a closer look at the core components of this dish:

Bacon: Diced bacon provides the signature salty, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cheesy custard. You can also substitute bacon with ham for a slightly different flavor, but the bacon’s crispiness is key to the texture of this dish.
Eggs: Eggs are the base of the custard filling, creating a rich, creamy texture that holds the bread together. They are whisked with milk to create a smooth mixture that envelops the bread and bacon.
Milk: Milk helps to form the custard, providing creaminess and richness. You can use either full cream milk for a richer flavor or low-fat milk for a lighter version of the dish.
Bread: The bread is the heart of the strata cake. Use plain bread like a baguette or rolls, cut into cubes. The bread absorbs the egg mixture, creating a tender, flavorful bite. It’s important to use day-old or slightly stale bread, as fresh bread will become too soggy.
Cheese: Shredded cheese (such as cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack) is mixed into the egg custard and sprinkled on top of the strata before baking. The cheese melts during baking, adding richness and a deliciously gooey texture.
Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley can be used to garnish the strata cake before serving, adding a touch of color and freshness to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Strata Cake

Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat until it’s crispy and lightly browned. Drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease, and set some aside for topping the strata later.
Whisk the Eggs and Milk: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be smooth and well-combined.
Soak the Bread: Add the bread cubes, cooked bacon, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese into the egg mixture. Stir to ensure that the bread absorbs the custard. Cover the bowl and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you prefer to make it ahead of time.
Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Generously grease a 20 cm (8-inch) springform cake pan with butter to ensure the strata comes out easily after baking.
Assemble the Strata: Once the bread mixture has soaked, pour it into the prepared pan and gently press it down to pack the ingredients. Sprinkle the reserved bacon on top, and then add the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for a cheesy topping.
Bake the Strata: Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the strata rest for about 5 minutes before removing it from the pan. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve hot.

Why You’ll Love Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake

This strata cake is the perfect breakfast or brunch dish. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comforting, with the crispy bacon and melted cheese creating a deliciously savory flavor profile. The bread cubes soak up the custard, resulting in a satisfying texture that combines the best elements of a quiche, omelette, and French toast. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, which is a huge time-saver for busy mornings or entertaining guests.

Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just enjoying a weekend brunch, this dish is sure to please a crowd. It’s an incredibly customizable recipe too—feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and color, or swap out the bacon for sausage or turkey bacon for a lighter option.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake provides around 376 calories, with a healthy balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. The dish is high in protein (24g per serving) thanks to the eggs and bacon, while the cheese and bacon contribute to the fat content (22g per serving, including 10g of saturated fat). The dish also contains a good amount of calcium (315mg), thanks to the cheese, and a moderate amount of cholesterol (178mg) from the eggs and bacon. For those looking to add some fiber, consider serving this strata with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad.

Conclusion: A Perfect Brunch Dish for Any Occasion

Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake is the perfect dish to serve for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. With its rich, cheesy custard and crispy bacon, this dish is both comforting and delicious. The best part is its make-ahead nature—prep it the night before and bake it in the morning for an easy yet impressive meal. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a weekend breakfast with family, this strata cake is sure to become a favorite.