Are you looking to start your day with a breakfast that’s not only delicious but also easy to make? Well, look no further because we’ve got the ultimate recipe for you – the Bacon & Cheese Breakfast Strata. This scrumptious dish is a perfect blend of crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and flavorful spices, all nestled within layers of fluffy bread. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful morning delight!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 250g/8.8oz Streaky Bacon, diced
• 1 Small Onion, finely diced
• 6 Large Eggs
• 1 1/2 Cups Whole Milk
• 7 Cups Plain Bread (use baguettes, not flat bread), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 Tsp Season All Seasoning (see note)
• 1 Tsp Dijon Mustard
• Salt & Pepper
• 2 Cups Shredded Monterrey Jack or Cheddar cheese

Method:

1. Bacon & Onion Magic:

• Start by cooking the onions until softened. Once done, remove them from the pan and let them drain on a paper towel.
• In the same pan, add the diced bacon and cook until it’s lightly browned and crispy. Remove the bacon and drain it on the same paper towel with the onions. Remember to reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon for topping.

1. Egg Mixture Prep:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Season All, mustard, salt, and pepper. This creates a flavorful base for your strata.
• Add the bread, 1 1/2 cups of cheese, cooked onions, and bacon to the egg mixture. Mix everything well to ensure every cube of bread gets soaked in the delicious egg mixture.
• Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, allowing the egg to fully soak into the bread.

1. Ready, Set, Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 180C/350F.
• Generously butter or grease a 20cm/8-inch springform cake tin.
• Pour the bread mixture into the cake tin and gently pat it down. Sprinkle the reserved bacon and the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top. Cover the tin loosely with foil.

1. Into the Oven:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

1. Serve and Enjoy:

• Allow the strata to rest for 5 minutes before removing it from the springform. Garnish with fresh parsley and cut it into slices to serve. Your delightful Bacon & Cheese Breakfast Strata is ready to be enjoyed!

Note:
If you’re worried about your springform pan leaking, place it on a tray with baking paper underneath. The bread should absorb most of the egg, minimizing any potential leakage. Alternatively, you can make the strata in a normal shallow baking dish.

Now, get ready to savor the flavors of this fantastic breakfast dish that’s bound to become a morning favorite!

BONUS RECIPE: THE BEST CHEESECAKE BARS (SNACK BARS) IN PHILADELPHIA

These easy Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are made with a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with fresh strawberry topping and a white chocolate drizzle. They’re a dead ringer for the original Philadelphia Snack Bars! They’re also easy to make and eliminate the need for a full cheesecake.

With fresh strawberry sauce and white chocolate, these Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are the perfect sweet treat!

These Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars taste exactly like the original Philadelphia Snack Bars, but they’re much better. They begin with traditional Philadelphia cream cheese bars, but are elevated to new heights with the addition of sticky strawberry topping and a drizzle of white chocolate on top. Really, really good!

If you like cheesecake, try this White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake or this Blackberry Cheesecake. We have dessert dishes for every taste.

WHY ARE PHILADELPHIA SNACK BARS AMAZING?
The centre is creamy (rather than rubbery or grainy).
Fresh strawberries are used to make a beautiful red, sticky, and tasty topping.
Much simpler than a traditional cheesecake.
There is no need for a water bath.

INGREDIENTS

PHILADELPHIA CHEESECAKE BARS HOW TO MAKE
Prepare the crust: Combine the crumbs and butter thoroughly, then press firmly into an 8 or 9-inch baking pan (affiliate).
Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla on medium speed. Then, on low, mix the eggs. Pour over the crust that has been prepared.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the center is slightly underset, at 350°F. Allow to cool after removing from the oven.
To make the topping, follow these steps: While the bars are baking, heat the strawberry sauce ingredients for around 15 minutes on the burner. Then set aside to cool.
Assemble the cheesecake by cutting it into 8-10 bars. Then drizzle with melted white chocolate chips and top with the strawberry topping.

Prepare the crust, then assemble the filling and bake! Make the strawberry sauce while the bars are baking.
FOR A GROUP
Depending on the size of the pan, one recipe yields 8-10 bars. To serve more people, cut these into smaller bars, or double the recipe and bake in two separate pans. This would make a great summer, Valentine’s Day, 4th of July, or Christmas treat!

QUESTIONS AND REPLIES
Why were Philadelphia cheesecake bars discontinued?
This is a reasonable question to which we may never have an answer… However, the homemade version of Philadelphia snack bars is far superior!

How should I keep my strawberry cheesecake snack bars?
Refrigerate in an airtight jar for 2-3 days.

Can you make and freeze cream cheese bars?
You may make the bars and topping ahead of time and keep them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Within a few hours of serving, add the topping.

The bars can be frozen for up to two months. It’s ideal to freeze them without the topping and then top them with it right before serving, but you can freeze them with it if necessary. Unwrap them on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid, then wrap in plastic and foil or store in an airtight container.

TRICKS AND TIPS
Don’t overcook! This is essential for achieving a creamy, smooth texture.
The edges of the bars may be puffy when you take them out, but they should fall flat as they cool.
Cook the strawberry sauce slowly and for a long time. This is essential for achieving the deep red color and vibrant flavor.
Using a large, sharp knife, cut neat, even slices. To keep the cuts smooth, wipe the blade clean between cuts.