![a recipe photo of the Bacon, Cheddar & Spinach Strata](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.eatingwell.com/thmb/WsXLydel1DjxreVEMTOyK9gj3UI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EWL-BaconCheddarAndSpinachStrata-beauty-223-ebdc8d0a34394437827305c2028fb6c7.jpg)
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
![the ingredients to make the Bacon, Cheddar & Spinach Strata](https://www.eatingwell.com/thmb/3mo7eBIQlPHRvmZ-PjWuHXero9E=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EWL-BaconCheddarAndSpinachStrata-Step-01-115-2112fd9109e245bc82ead685f04ea89d.jpg)
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Ingredients
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3 slices center-cut bacon, chopped (about 1/3 cup)
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1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
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5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
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8 ounces crusty whole-wheat sourdough bread, cubed (1-inch; about 4 cups)
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3/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
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1 1/2 cups half-and-half
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5 large eggs
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/8 teaspoon salt
Directions
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Coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.
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Add onion to the drippings in the pan; cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in spinach.
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
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Layer half the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the spinach mixture and 1/4 cup cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread, spinach mixture and 1/2 cup cheese.
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
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Whisk half-and-half, eggs, mustard, pepper, nutmeg and salt together in a large bowl. Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture; top with the reserved bacon. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours.
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
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Remove the strata from the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the strata, uncovered, until puffed and golden brown all over, 40 to 45 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
To make ahead
Prepare through Step 4 and refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: about 1 cup
Calories 249, Fat 13g, Saturated Fat 7g, Cholesterol 146mg, Carbohydrates 19g, Total Sugars 5g, Added Sugars 0g, Protein 13g, Fiber 3g, Sodium 455mg, Potassium 282mg
Frequently Asked Questions
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While eggs used to be considered unhealthy, especially for those with heart disease, we now know that they can be enjoyed in moderation by most people. Dietary cholesterol has minimal impact on the amount of cholesterol in our blood. And the saturated fat in eggs probably isn’t as unhealthy as other forms of saturated fats. Eggs provide a wealth of nutrients, including complete protein, vitamin B12 and choline. Egg yolk also provides the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which contribute to healthy vision.
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Like eggs, cheese has also had a bad reputation regarding its fat content. And, also like eggs, the type of saturated fat in cheese is probably not as unhealthy as other types. Cheese provides protein, calcium and other micronutrients. It even contributes gut-healthy probiotics. Some types of cheese can be high in sodium, so choose lower-sodium varieties when possible.
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A strata is a type of breakfast casserole that’s essentially a savory bread pudding. It’s often assembled the night before, so the egg and milk get a chance to soak into the bread before it’s baked the following morning. The result looks almost like a soufflé, so be prepared for it to rise while baking and perhaps deflate a little when it’s out of the oven.
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Center-cut bacon comes packaged with the fatty ends removed, whereas regular bacon still has them. Center-cut bacon is typically priced the same as regular bacon, so it’s up to your preference. Find center-cut bacon alongside regular bacon in the refrigerator aisle of your supermarket.
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Absolutely. Assemble the strata the night before and keep it in the refrigerator. This will allow the bread to soak up the eggs and other flavorful ingredients. All you have to do is pop it in the oven the following day, making breakfast a cinch. If you have any leftovers, they’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days. You can also freeze cooked strata whole or sliced into manageable portions in freezer-safe bags for about three months.
Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm
EatingWell.com, March 2024