Classic Cheese Strata

Ingredients

1lb to 1.5lb Italian or country loaf of bread (remove crusts if they are thick or hard)
1.5 cups of shredded cheese (I use a Mexican mix)
7 eggs (I use egg beaters the Southwestern Mix as it has a little “kick” to it)
1.5 cups fat free half and half
1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder
salt and pepper to taste
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter melted

If you wish you can add chopped bell peppers, onion or Italian sausage. If you do decide to use some or all remove the casing on the sausage and cut into small pieces and then sauté these ingredients before making up the Strata.

Method
Night before:
Lightly oil a deep 9 or10 inch baking dish
Cut up bread into 1” cubes and place in a large bowl.
Add additional ingredients if used and mix well
In another large bowl place egg beaters, half & half, and cheese. Mix well
Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the bread etc.
Mix very well.
Put the mixture into the prepared dish. Using a piece of clear wrap gently push the mixture down (this helps the bread absorb the egg and cheese mixture).
Remove plastic wrap, drizzle top of mixture with melted butter, cover with foil and place in refrigerator overnight.


Next day.

Preheat oven to 350F. Bake Strata for 50 to 55 minutes until puffed up and golden brown. It should still be slightly soft in the center. Serve hot.