Apple and Bacon French Toast Strata

Ingredients

8

slices of bacon, chopped

2 cup / 500 ml

diced apple, such as Granny Smith or Honey Crisp

12 cup / 3 L

cubed day old French bread

8

Naturegg Omega 3 Eggs

1 cup / 250 ml

milk

3/4 cup / 175 ml

shredded aged white Cheddar cheese

1/4 cup / 50 ml

chopped toasted pecans (optional)

Maple syrup

Directions

1. Set a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly crisp. Remove half of the bacon pieces; set aside. Drain off all but 2 tbsp (30 mL) of the bacon fat. Add the apple to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes or until bacon is crisp and apple is slightly tender.

2. Grease a 9 x 13-inch (3 L) casserole dish. Toss the bread with the skillet mixture. Spread out in an even layer in the prepared casserole dish. Whisk eggs with milk; pour evenly over the bread mixture. Cover with foil and let stand in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.

3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with reserved bacon, cheese and pecans (if using). Bake for an additional 25 minutes or until top is golden brown. Cool slightly and serve warm. Serve with maple syrup on the side.

Tips

1. Substitute whole wheat bread for the French loaf for added fibre.

2. Store bacon used for the garnish in a small zip top bag along with the strata if reserving overnight in the refrigerator.

3. This sweet and savoury strata can be prepared the night ahead and simply popped in the oven when you roll out of bed. Serve with a large platter of fresh fruit to complete your brunch menu.