Are you ready to transform your ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience? Imagine a dish that combines the crispy perfection of bacon, the gooey richness of melted cheese, and the comforting softness of bread, all effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker. This Cheesy Bacon Strata is not just a meal—it's a morning revelation that will have your family rushing to the breakfast table and begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the bread by cutting it into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, let the cubes sit out for 30 minutes to slightly dry out, which helps absorb the egg mixture better.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined and smooth.
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle half of the cooked, crumbled bacon over the bread cubes.
- Distribute half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the bacon layer.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining bread cubes, bacon, and cheese.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the layers, ensuring it covers all ingredients evenly and seeps into the bread.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the strata is set and the edges are golden brown.
- Check doneness by inserting a knife in the center - it should come out clean.
- Let the strata rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow it to set and cool slightly.
- Serve warm, optionally garnishing with additional fresh chopped chives or parsley.
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old bread or let fresh bread cubes dry out slightly to help them absorb the egg mixture more effectively.
- Even Layering is Key: Take your time when layering ingredients to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of bread, bacon, and cheese.
- Don't Rush the Cooking: The slow cooker works magic by allowing flavors to meld together slowly, so resist the temptation to increase the heat.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the strata to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Customize Your Creation: Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the strata the night before and refrigerate, then start your slow cooker in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 250mg
