Name: Skillet Strata with Bacon, Scallions, and Pepper Jack Cheese
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon , chopped fine; 1 onion , minced; Salt and ground black pepper; 6 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1 cup pepper Jack cheese , shredded; 6 slices high-quality sandwich bread slice , cut into 1-inch squarees; 2 scallions , sliced thin

Why This Recipe Works

We came up with an unorthodox method largely predicated around the preparation of the bread for our skillet strata recipe: Instead of using stale bread, as is typical, we found fresh bread could work if we toasted it quickly before combining it with the custard. It made sense to cut the bread in pieces and toast them in a skillet for our skillet strata recipe as if they were croutons. It then occurred to us—why not bake the strata in the same skillet? Once the bread was toasted, we slid the pan from the heat and folded in the custard (whole milk and eggs) and cheese.

Before You Begin

Do not trim the crusts from the bread or the strata will be dense and eggy. Using a 10-inch skillet is crucial for the thickness and texture of this dish.

Instructions

heat oven and cook bacon

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Cook bacon in skillet over medium-high heat until fat begins to render, about 2 minutes. Add onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until onion is softened and lightly browned, about 6 minutes.

combine egg mixture

Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together, then stir in cheese; set aside.

toast bread

Add bread to skill and using rubber spatula, carefully fold bread into onion mixture until evenly coated. Cook bread, folding occasionally, until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.

add egg mixture

Off heat, fold in egg mixture until slightly thickened and well combined with bread. Gently press on top of strata to help it soak up egg mixture.

finish in oven

Bake until edges and center are puffed and edges have pulled away slightly from sides of pan, about 12 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced scallions and serve.