Bacon Pesto Strata Recipe 🥓🌿

Overview:

This Bacon Pesto Strata is a delightful breakfast option that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. Combining the richness of bacon, the freshness of spinach and parsley, and the creaminess of yogurt, this dish is a surefire way to start your day on the right note. With layers of bread soaked in a savory egg mixture, every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 938.7 per serving

Ingredients:

• 1/4 lb bacon
• 6 cups fresh spinach
• 3/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 3/4 cup plain yogurt (additional)
• 2 eggs
• 12 oz milk
• 6 dashes cayenne pepper
• 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• Butter (for greasing ramekins)
• Bread crumbs (for dusting ramekins)
• Baguettes (optional, for variation)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ramekins: Start by buttering the ramekins and then dusting them with bread crumbs to prevent sticking.

2. Make Pesto: In a skillet, sauté the bacon until crispy, then remove it from the pan. In the same skillet, wilt the fresh spinach in 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat.

3. Process Pesto: In a food processor, combine the cooked bacon, wilted spinach, fresh parsley leaves, and 1/4 cup of plain yogurt. Process the mixture until a smooth paste forms, creating a flavorful pesto.

4. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, remaining 3/4 cup of plain yogurt, milk, and cayenne pepper until well blended. The mixture should have a consistency similar to heavy cream. Set aside.

5. Dry Bread: Cut the bread to fit the ramekins. To dry the bread, cut it with a cookie cutter into shapes that fit inside the ramekins. Line a baking sheet with a rack and toast the bread at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes dry and crisp. Alternatively, small baguettes can be used as well.

6. Assemble Layers: Spread 1 tablespoon of the prepared pesto on one side of each slice of dry bread. Place one slice of bread in each ramekin, pesto side up, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of shredded Swiss cheese. Add 1/4 cup of the prepared egg mixture to cover the bread. Repeat this layering process, alternating between bread, cheese, and egg mixture, until the ramekins are filled.

7. Soak Bread: Place the assembled ramekins on a baking sheet and weight down the bread with a heavy object. Let the strata soak for 30 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the egg mixture.

8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the weights from the ramekins and bake the strata for 30-40 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown and puffed.

9. Cool and Serve: Allow the strata to cool for 5 minutes before carefully removing it from the ramekins. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of this Bacon Pesto Strata!

Tips:

• Customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients such as diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Make ahead by assembling the strata the night before and refrigerating it overnight. Bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
• Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a well-balanced meal.

Indulge in the savory goodness of this Bacon Pesto Strata for a breakfast that’s sure to impress! 🍳🥓🌿