Bacon, Spinach and Cheddar strata (adapted from Everyday Food):
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1 package baby spinach, chopped and stems removed
1 red pepper, chopped
1/4 cup of onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, smashed
4 pieces bacon (I use thick sliced bacon, if you use thin-sliced bacon, I would recommend using 6 slices), cut into small pieces
3 cups day-old bread cubes
5 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup whole milk (I used a combo of skim milk and cream, since I don't always have whole milk)
1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, grated
salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 400. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet. Add bacon and saute until almost cooked, about 3 minutes if using thick-sliced bacon. Add onion, garlic clove, and red pepper, and cook until bacon has finished cooking and vegetables are soft. Remove garlic clove. Add spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute. Put bread pieces into an 8-inch square baking pan. Pour vegetable-bacon mixture evenly over the bread.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and 1 cup of cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over bread and vegetable-bacon mixture. Top with remaining 1/4 cup of cheese. [Here is where you can put the entire mixture in the fridge until it is ready to bake and then eat]. Bake until set in the middle and golden brown, about 30-35 minutes.
Variations:
- Vegetarian! I don't think this necessarily needs bacon, although it does add a nice smoky flavor
- Ham, crumbled sausage or pancetta instead of regular bacon
