Easy Bacon and Egg Strata

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posted by Liz Berg

on January 4, 2022 (updated 4/27/23)

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This EasyBacon and Egg Strata is ideal for those overnight holiday guests. With a make-ahead option, it allowsfor seamless entertaining. Your guests will fall in love with this recipe.

This Breakfast Casserole Recipe has been in my family for decades. I’m pretty sure my mom served it for brunch the day after my wedding! It’s simple, comforting, and delicious!

Easy Bacon and Egg Strata - Make Ahead Recipe - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (1)

Table of Contents hide

1 Why You Must Make

2 How to Make

3 Expert Tips

4 Frequently Asked Questions

5 You May Also Like:

6 Easy Bacon and Egg Strata

Why You Must Make

This is an overnight breakfast casserole since it can be made the night before, kept in the refrigerator, and baked the next morning. This makes it ideal for company or holiday breakfast or brunch.
It combines the classic pairing of bacon and eggs without having to make fried or scrambled eggs and bacon for a group.
This egg strata is easy, hearty and delicious!!

My mom started serving this egg casserole recipe back in the ’80s. In fact, she baked up at least a double batch for a brunch the day after my wedding. Bill and I were off to Charleston on our honeymoon, but my family and my in-laws continued the celebration without us.

Made with seasoned croutons, this bacon and egg strata isa breeze to throw together.It’s one of those Egg Bake Recipes you’ll make again and again. For a healthier alternative, this Baked Denver Omelet is wonderful for company, too.

Easy Bacon and Egg Strata - Make Ahead Recipe - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2)

How to Make

This Bacon and Egg Strata is a ridiculously easy recipe.

Layer croutons, cheese, and diced red bell pepper in a greased casserole dish.
Then pour a mixture of eggs, milk, and a wee bit of mustard over the top.
Allow the egg mixture to soak in.
Before baking, sprinkle a generous amount of crumbled bacon over the eggy bread.
Who doesn’t love an Easy Breakfast Casserole????

Expert Tips

Assemble the night before except for the bacon. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.
Extend the baking time if you’ve made this strata ahead of time.
Use your favorite cheese, one you’d put in an omelet. A full-flavored, aged cheddar that’s rich, tangy, with a touch of sweetness works well. But the options are endless.
Replace the crumbled bacon with cooked and drained breakfast sausage.
Instead of cubed bread, experiment with torn croissants or even bagels. If using bagels, use less since they’re so dense and will soak up more liquid.
Adding sauteed mushrooms and/or onions would be delicious, too!
Sprinkle with minced parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color.

Easy Bacon and Egg Strata - Make Ahead Recipe - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (3)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Strata?

The term strata means layers, typically referring to rock. In the culinary world, strata is an American term for a layered casserole, often using bread as an ingredient.

How Do You Make this Egg Casserole?

Layer the croutons, cheese, and peppers in a greased baking dish.
Whisk together the eggs with seasonings and pour over the ingredients in the pan.
Either refrigerate overnight or bake after letting the egg mixture soak in for a few minutes, then top with bacon.
Extend the baking time if the casserole is cold.
You may cover the casserole and refrigerate overnight at this point or go ahead and bake immediately.
Bake as directed or until the casserole is puffed and set in the center.

How Long Do You Bake an Egg Strata?

It varies with the recipe and whether it’s been refrigerated or not. For this breakfast egg casserole, it takes about 60 minutes and up to 90 minutes if it’s cold.

How Long Can You Keep a Baked Egg Casserole?

Leftovers should be good to eat for 3-4 days unless the casserole was left at room temperature longer than 2 hours. If not refrigerated within 2 hours, leftovers should be tossed to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

What Can You Serve with a Breakfast Egg Casserole?

To round out your breakfast or brunch menu, consider serving hash browns or fried potatoes and a fruit salad. Muffins would be nice, too, if you’re looking for something sweet.

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time1 hour

Total Time1 hour 10 minutes

Yield12

A crowd pleasing make ahead breakfast or brunch entree.

Ingredients

4 cups seasoned croutons (I used two 5-ounce packages of seasoned Texas toast croutons)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 red bell pepper, diced
8 eggs, beaten
4 cups milk
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups crumbled cooked bacon

Instructions

Place croutons in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
Then layer with cheese and red bell pepper. Whisk together the remaining ingredients except for the bacon. Pour over croutons and cheese.
You may cover the casserole and refrigerate overnight at this point or go ahead and bake after letting the egg/milk mixture soak in while the oven preheats.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325º. Sprinkle the top with bacon.
Bake for about 60 minutes or until puffed and set in the center. If you prepped early and chilled overnight, you might need to extend the cooking time up to 90 minutes.

Notes

You can easily make half a batch. Bake in an 8 or 9-inch square baking pan.

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

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Breakfast Brunch Eggs Entertaining Entrees

posted by Liz Berg on January 4, 2022
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32 Comments on “Easy Bacon and Egg Strata”

John / Kitchen Riffs — March 2, 2022 @ 10:00 am Reply

This looks terrific! Easy, and really REALLY tasty looking. Love dishes that you can make ahead of time, and this is perfect. Thanks!
Healthy World Cuisine — January 30, 2022 @ 8:16 pm Reply

Brilliant! Croutons instead of bread. Love this idea. Already seasoned too. Going to give this a try this week for an easy make ahead breakfast.
mjskitchen — January 9, 2022 @ 2:34 pm Reply

I’m not going to wait for guests to serve this one. Just the perfect brunch for us. I would probably cut the recipe in half, but it looks easy to do. Who wouldn’t want bacon and eggs for breakfast? Great strata Liz and a lot easier to make than some I’ve seen.
Eva Taylor — January 7, 2022 @ 7:41 am Reply

This is truly the perfect entertaining dish, so easy. I usually sneak downstairs at 6 and take it out of the fridge to warm to room temperature. These days I pop it in the oven and I can set it to start baking on my phone app about 40 minutes before I’m ready to serve it!
Lynn@DIY Barbie Blog — January 4, 2022 @ 6:36 am Reply

Sounds like a nice hearty start to the day! And make-ahead is always nice:@)
Wilhelmina — October 1, 2020 @ 10:12 am Reply

I love easy breakfasts that feed a crowd! This has a permanent place at the top of my list. Delicious!
Jennifer — March 1, 2017 @ 1:15 pm Reply

My mouth is watering! Awesome recipes!!
Ella-HomeCookingAdventure — December 20, 2014 @ 5:45 am Reply

I am pretty hungry right now and seeing this dish of yours.. makes me even more.. looks wonderful.. really going to try it out this weekend.
Kumar's Kitchen — December 20, 2014 @ 5:19 am Reply

this strata looks perfect for a holiday breakfast…so flavorful and loaded with goodies,great recipe,thanks 🙂
Maureen | org*smic Chef — December 14, 2014 @ 7:13 am Reply

This will be a great breakfast when the family comes up from Melbourne. I need things I can make ahead with all the goings on between here and the olds.
Stacy — December 13, 2014 @ 1:26 am Reply

A cheesy casserole with bacon on top would be my ideal breakfast, Liz. Gorgeous!
Becca from ItsYummi.com — December 11, 2014 @ 9:27 pm Reply

Strata was always on our Christmas morning brunch table. I love baked eggs… this looks and sounds perfect!
Sandra — December 11, 2014 @ 7:56 pm Reply

This time of year I need recipes that can feed a crowd and this one fits the bill!
Choc Chip Uru — December 10, 2014 @ 1:16 pm Reply

You know me, not really into savoury in the morning, but my dad would live off bacon and egg if he could – I should show him your awesome recipe and make his day 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Eva — December 10, 2014 @ 9:19 am Reply

For a breakfast or a lunch, your recipe will be perfect !
Angie@Angie's Recipes — December 10, 2014 @ 8:05 am Reply

A really hearty and comforting breakfast casserole!
Hotly Spiced — December 10, 2014 @ 4:56 am Reply

I do love a do-ahead recipe and how lovely to have a recipe in your family with so much history. It’s a great looking dish that like you say, is perfect to have on-hand for unexpected guests xx
cheri — December 9, 2014 @ 10:37 pm Reply

Hi Liz, I’m a savory person most mornings, this looks delicious!
Kitchen Belleicious — December 9, 2014 @ 10:37 pm Reply

i need some of that sweet cheddar. It looks amazing and I love strata. It is simple and so rich and delicious
Jennifer Eloff — December 9, 2014 @ 8:43 pm Reply

Looks amazing! I would have difficulty choosing. The casserole would probably be my choice.
Ala — December 9, 2014 @ 6:53 pm Reply

Delightful! I’ve wanted to try a strata ever since I visited a cafe with that name–I just thought it sounded like the coolest thing. Definitely saving this one for the overnight guests, Liz!
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine — December 9, 2014 @ 6:31 pm Reply

I want breakfast at your house Liz. The strata looks fantastic but so does everything else. Love, love, love that apple cake!
Eva Taylor — December 9, 2014 @ 5:20 pm Reply

I have made these stratas in both savoury and sweet forms and they are always a huge hit. I can see by the flavours you’ve chosen that this one would be amazing! I usually make the sweet versions with Italian Panettone, OMG, so good.
wok with ray — December 9, 2014 @ 4:48 pm Reply

This looks really delicious and especially with those bits of bacon on top. Oh yes, that will do it for me. 🙂
Catherine — December 9, 2014 @ 4:32 pm Reply

This will be my Christmas morning egg bake dish.
Hope mine taste as good as yours looks.
Do you make your own seasoned croutons or do you buy yours?
- Liz Berg — December 9, 2014 @ 5:34 pm Reply
  
  I buy them, Cathy. That makes this an extra easy recipe 🙂
gloria — December 9, 2014 @ 2:37 pm Reply

This look really good lizzy!
xo
Linda | Brunch with joy — December 9, 2014 @ 12:59 pm Reply

Yum! Savory breakfast is always winning at home and KerryGold sweet cheddar sounds delicious for this recipe.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom — December 9, 2014 @ 11:23 am Reply

Liz, I love savory breakfast casseroles!! and your bacon and egg strata is gorgeous!!! love!!
Gourmet Getaways — December 9, 2014 @ 7:17 am Reply

Such a short recipe with ingredients for a great looking dish! Looks, tasty, Liz!!
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
Emily @ Life on Food — December 9, 2014 @ 7:13 am Reply

I have never made a strata before but I have been hunting for recipes to make over the holidays. One put dish that serves many. Just what I need. I think my hunt is over.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) — December 9, 2014 @ 1:07 am Reply

The perfect make ahead breakfast, pure comfort food!

Easy Bacon and Egg Strata - Make Ahead Recipe - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2024)

Why You Must Make

How to Make

Expert Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

You May Also Like: