Overnight Cheesy Bacon and Broccoli Strata
A make-ahead breakfast casserole that transforms simple dinner rolls into a custardy base studded with crisp-tender broccoli, smoky Canadian bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches when you want something hearty without the fuss. The overnight refrigeration allows the bread to absorb the seasoned egg mixture, creating a cohesive dish that bakes up golden and set. This version uses frozen dinner rolls for convenience and adds colorful red bell pepper for extra crunch and sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons butter or margarine
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup frozen broccoli cuts, thawed
- 2 frozen soft white dinner rolls, from 12.4-oz bagbrioche1:1texture
richer flavor
- ½ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon onion salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 3 slices Canadian bacon, chopped (3 oz)regular bacon1:1flavor
smokier taste
- ½ cup sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (2 oz)
Instructions
- 1
Melt butter in 8-inch skillet over medium-high heat
- 2
Cook bell pepper and broccoli in butter until crisp-tender
- 3
Spray 1-quart casserole with cooking spray
- 4
Cut each roll into cubes
- 5
Beat milk, eggs, mustard, onion salt and pepper with wire whisk in large bowl
- 6
Stir in broccoli mixture, bread cubes, bacon and cheese
- 7
Pour into casserole and cover
- 8
Refrigerate at least 4 hours but no longer than 8 hours
- 9
Heat oven to 350°F
- 10
Bake uncovered until set
- 11
Cool before serving
Tips
Thaw frozen broccoli completely and pat dry to prevent excess moisture in the strata.
Use day-old bread or toast fresh bread lightly for better texture and absorption.
Test doneness by inserting a knife in center - it should come out clean when fully set.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days
Assemble up to 8 hours before baking
Serve warm, cut into squares
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the refrigeration time or bread won't absorb properly
Don't overbake or custard will become rubbery
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
smokier taste
FAQ
Can I freeze this strata?
Yes, assemble without baking, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking as directed.
What if I don't have Canadian bacon?
Regular bacon, ham, or breakfast sausage work well. Cook and drain fatty meats first to prevent greasiness.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or warm whole dish in 300°F oven.