I shared this impressive strata with friends at their new home. For special occasions, change up the veggies and cheese. I’ve used tomatoes, spinach and cheddar. —Kim Forni, Laconia, New Hampshire
Smoked Gouda & Swiss Chard Strata Recipe photo by Taste of Home
1 pound Swiss chard, leaves chopped and stems julienned
1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers
12 slices white bread, toasted and cubed
2 cups smoked Gouda or smoked Gruyere cheese, shredded
2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
10 large eggs
3-1/2 cups 2% milk
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp; drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Cook chard stems and onion in reserved drippings over medium heat until tender, about 4 minutes. Add chard leaves and red pepper; cook 2 minutes. Drain.
Lightly grease a 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with half the bread cubes, half the vegetable mixture and half the cheeses. Repeat layers.
Mix remaining ingredients until well blended. Pour over layers; press down slightly. Sprinkle bacon over top. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 325°. Remove strata from refrigerator while oven heats. Bake until puffy, lightly browned and set, about 1 hour.