Baked Breakfast Strata

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 12 large eggs
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1½ cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
• 1 cup deli ham, chopped
• 1 cup scallions, chopped
• ¾ cup roasted red pepper, chopped
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 (12 oz) loaf French bread

Directions

1. Grease a 9x13-inch (3-qt) baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add eggs, milk, salt, ground mustard, and garlic powder. Whisk well to break up all the yolks. Stir in the cheeses, ham, scallions, and roasted red pepper.
3. Tear the bread loaf into 1–2 inch chunks and place them in the baking dish.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread. Use a spatula to gently fold the bread so the ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover and chill until ready to bake.
5. Let the strata rest for at least 1 hour so the bread soaks up the eggs. (This is a great make-ahead overnight recipe.)
6. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
7. Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and puffy in the center. Insert a sharp knife into the center to check that the eggs are set. If not, bake another 5–10 minutes.
8. Cool for 5 minutes before cutting. Serve warm.