This Easy Bacon and Egg Strata is ideal for those overnight holiday guests. With a make-ahead option, it allows for 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 slice on a white plate in front of the strata in a casserole dish.

 

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 is a 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 in a white ceramic casserole dish.

 

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.
Bacon and egg strata slice on a small white plate.

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.

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Bacon and Egg Strata | Croutons, cheese, bacon and eggs combine for an outstanding breakfast treat

Easy Bacon and Egg Strata

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield 12

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

  1. Place croutons in a greased 9 x 13-inch  baking pan.
  2. Then layer with cheese and red bell pepper. Whisk together the remaining ingredients except for the bacon. Pour over croutons and cheese.
  3. 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.
  4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325º. Sprinkle the top with bacon.
  5. 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.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1 slice

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 408Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 188mgSodium: 1012mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 26g

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