How to Make Bacon, Cheddar and Spinach Strata - A Step-by-Step Guide

Bacon, Cheddar and Spinach Strata is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. This savory strata is made with layers of bread, bacon, cheddar cheese, spinach, and a creamy egg mixture, all baked to perfection. It's the ideal dish for a family brunch, but also works well as a make-ahead breakfast or a comforting dinner option. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just want to treat yourself to a delicious and satisfying meal, this strata is sure to hit the spot.

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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon bacon grease
  • 1 (1 pound) loaf day-old bread, cubed
  • 12 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 pound sliced bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch strips
  • 1 pound fresh spinach, wilted, squeezed dry
  • 12 ounces shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 servings

  • Oil bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish with about a tablespoon of bacon fat.
  • Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.
  • Crack eggs into a separate mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, cayenne, and nutmeg. Add cream and whisk mixture thoroughly.
  • Pour egg/cream mixture over the bread cubes and mix to distribute ingredients evenly. Allow bread mixture to sit about 15 minutes to absorb the liquid.
  • Transfer half of the bread mixture to the baking pan; spread evenly over the bottom and press mixture down a bit. Top with half of the grated Cheddar cheese. Add cooked bacon pieces in an even layer over the cheese. Place the cooked spinach over the bacon; top with half of the remaining cheese. Finish with the rest of the soaked bread cubes, spread evenly and pressed down slightly. Sprinkle with the rest of the grated cheese. Cover and let strata sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bake strata in preheated oven until set, about 45 minutes. Optionally, you can broil the strata for a minute or two to brown the top.
  • Nutrition

    535 cal.

    • Total Fat: 40g
    • Saturated Fat: 20g
    • Cholesterol: 268mg
    • Sodium: 1169mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 24g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 22g
    • Vitamin C: 11mg
    • Calcium: 350mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 415mg