Calling all breakfast enthusiasts and flavor fanatics – get ready to experience the ultimate maple bacon breakfast strata that will blow your taste buds away! This dish is a culinary masterpiece that combines the sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible flavors of maple and bacon, all nestled between layers of fluffy bread and rich, creamy eggs. It’s the perfect way to start your day and leave you feeling like a true breakfast champion. Trust me, y’all, this recipe is about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bacon Breakfast Strata
This maple bacon breakfast strata is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a hearty, indulgent breakfast. The combination of sweet maple, salty bacon, and the creamy, custardy texture of the eggs is simply out of this world. It’s the kind of dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and thirds!). Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect weekend brunch or weekday breakfast treat. Get ready to experience the ultimate breakfast bliss with this epic creation!
Ingredients
To make this sensational maple bacon breakfast strata, you’ll need a few key ingredients: thick-cut bacon, maple syrup, eggs, heavy cream, bread (we recommend a crusty sourdough or challah), and a handful of seasonings like salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg to really make the flavors pop. The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can easily customize it to your liking.
- 1 lb – thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup – pure maple syrup
- 12 – large eggs
- 2 cups – heavy cream
- 1 loaf – crusty sourdough or challah bread, cubed
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bread: Try a different type of bread like brioche or whole wheat for a unique twist.
- Protein: Swap out the bacon for sausage or diced ham for a different savory element.
How to Make Maple Bacon Breakfast Strata
Get ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this easy-to-follow recipe for the ultimate maple bacon breakfast strata!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, cook the bacon until crispy in a large skillet. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon fat. Cube the bread and set it aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Add the cubed bread and gently toss to combine, making sure all the bread is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the cooked bacon.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the strata for 40-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra special touch, you can drizzle a bit of warm maple syrup over the top of the strata just before serving. This will add an extra layer of sweetness and make the dish look absolutely irresistible.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Get Creative: Feel free to add in some diced onions, peppers, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
- Switch It Up: Try swapping out the bacon for some spicy chorizo or crumbled sausage to put your own spin on this breakfast masterpiece.
- Maple Madness: For an even more intense maple flavor, use maple breakfast sausage instead of regular bacon.
- Veggie Upgrade: Sauté some spinach or mushrooms and fold them into the egg mixture for a delicious veggie twist.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh fruit salad, maple-roasted potatoes, or a side of crispy hash browns for a truly epic breakfast spread.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble this strata the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Nutrition Information
One serving of this delectable maple bacon breakfast strata packs a serious nutritional punch. It’s a great source of protein, thanks to the eggs and bacon, and the addition of maple syrup and heavy cream adds a creamy, indulgent texture. While it’s not the lightest breakfast option, it’s definitely a dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized to tackle the day ahead.
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the recipe
- Calories: 453 kcal
- Protein: 17 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Sodium: 722 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this strata ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be assembled the night before and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While we recommend using a crusty sourdough or challah, you can experiment with other types of bread like brioche, ciabatta, or even whole wheat.
Can I add other ingredients to the strata?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative and add in your favorite mix-ins like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even a sprinkle of cheese.
How do I know when the strata is done?
The strata is ready when the center is set and the top is golden brown, usually around 40-50 minutes of baking. You can also do the classic toothpick test – if it comes out clean, your strata is ready to enjoy!
Can I freeze this strata?
Yes, you can! Bake the strata as directed, let it cool completely, then cut it into individual servings and wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
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Irresistible Maple Bacon Breakfast Strata
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious maple bacon breakfast strata that combines layers of bread, eggs, and crispy bacon with a hint of maple syrup.
Ingredients
8 slices of bread, cubed
4 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the cubed bread and bacon to the egg mixture, stirring to combine.
4. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to soak the bread.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and set.
7. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This dish can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for a quick breakfast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: breakfast, strata, bacon, maple