Tasty Tuesday: Skillet Strata

This Skillet Strata is a quick and easy recipe to make and can be a great one for using up leftovers too!

Ingredients:

6 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

1 1/2 cups cubed or shredded cheese (marble, cheddar, Gruyere – lots of possibilities or mix several together!)

Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste (I didn’t use any salt because I find the cheese salty enough for me)

About 6-8 slices of bacon, chopped  (cut the fat with turkey bacon or cut the salt further with sodium reduced bacon)

1 small to medium onion, chopped

5 slices bread (white, whole wheat, egg – again loads of variety can be used here), cubed

Instructions:

1)  In a non-stick (or spray with cooking spray) oven-safe skillet, cook the bacon for a few minutes until browned lightly.  Add in the onions and continue to cook until they have softened.

2) Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and seasonings.  Stir in 1 cup of cheese if using shredded cheese.  I found it easier to add the cheese later if using cubed cheese.

3)  Fold the bread mixture into the bacon and onions until it is well coated and has toasted lightly.   Remove the skillet from the heat.  At this point, stir in all of your cheese if using the cubed cheese.

4)  Give the egg mixture a little stir and pour it over the bread mixture in the skillet.  Fold carefully to coat thoroughly.  Bake in a 425 degree F oven for about 12 to 15 minutes.  It should be golden brown and have puffed up with the edges moving away from the skillet when it’s done.  If you’re using shredded cheese, sprinkle on the remaining 1/2 cup over top and bake for another minute or two until melted.  It’s best to let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

You can add in leftover meats like cooked ham, turkey or chicken (or substitute it for the bacon) or veggies like carrots, peas, asparagus,broccoli, or green beans to this dish as well!  Enjoy!