Cheddar and Bacon Strata
  1. 2 ½ c. Shredded Sharp Cheddar
  2. 5 Slices of Cob-Smoked Bacon
  3. 8 Cups of Cubed Thick-Sliced Bread
  4. 5 Large Eggs
  5. 1 Garlic Clove, Minced
  6. 1 Cup of Sliced Onion
  7. 1 Cup of Diced Green Bell Pepper
  8. 2 Cups of Milk
  9. 6 Plum Tomatoes, Seeded & Sliced
  10. ¼ c. of Chopped Basil
  11. ½ tsp. Thyme
  12. Salt and Pepper
Preheat oven to 325º F. Fry bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from skillet and crumble. Add the onion to the pan drippings and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute. Remove from heat and combine mixture with the bacon. Mix milk with basil, salt and pepper, eggs, and thyme with a whisk. Arrange half of bread cubes in a buttered 13 x 9 inch dish. Top with 2/3 cup of cheese, half the onion/bacon mixture, and then half of the tomato slices. Pour half of the milk mixture over the tomatoes and repeat the layers. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Bake for 55 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts. SERVES 8