BACON & TRIPLE- CHEESE STRATA BREAD PUDDING

  • 12 Ounces (1 package) of pancetta or bacon, chopped;
  • 2 Small yellow onions, diced;
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced;
  • 6 Large eggs;
  • 2 ½ Cups of whole milk;
  • 2 Cups of finely grated smoked Gouda cheese;
  • ½ Cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese;
  • ½ Cup of whipping cream;
  • 2 Tablespoons of chopped fresh oregano;
  • ½ Teaspoon of salt;
  • ½ Teaspoon of pepper;
  • 1 Loaf of rustic French or Italian bread, cut in 1-inch cubes; and
  • 2 Cups of grated fontina cheese (about 8 ounces).

Heat a large skillet over medium heat & cook bacon until crisp & transfer bacon to a dish. Drain excess fat from skillet, but don’t wipe out pan. Add the onion & garlic & cook until golden brown & fragrant, about 5 minutes, & than remove from heat.

Whisk the eggs, milk, Gouda cheese, Parmesan cheese, cream, oregano, salt & pepper in a large bowl.

Butter a 13x9x2 inch ceramic or glass-baking dish (about 3 quarts). Spread about 1/3 of the bread in the pan, top with a 1/3 of the bacon, than 1/3 of the onion. Pour 1/3 of the egg mixture over. Repeat layering with remaining bread, bacon, onion, and egg mixture. Cover & leave in refrigerator overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.

To cook, heat the oven to 350 degrees. Allow the strata to come to room temperature on the counter. Top with the grated fontina & bake uncovered until golden brown & cooked though in about 50 minutes.

 Serves 8-10