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Home Breakfast

Cheese & bacon strata cake – breakfast casserole!

By:Nagi
Published:23 Oct '20Updated:29 Oct '20
378 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

A Breakfast Casserole – in cake form! All the morning essentials present – bacon, eggs, milk, bread and cheese – it’s a breakfast strata that tastes like a cross between quiche, omelette and savoury French toast with cheesy custardy insides, and a golden crusty surface.

Excellent way to make use of leftover bread. Make it now or leave it overnight, then just pop it in the oven the next day!

Cheese and Bacon Strata Cake - Breakfast Casserole fresh out of the oven, ready to be served

Breakfast Casserole – Strata Cake!

Being completely upfront – this is not a real dish as such, it’s just something I made up on a whim back when I first published it over 5 years ago as a way to make breakfast for a group without frying up individual bacon and eggs for everyone.

It’s essentially a breakfast casserole or a savoury bread and butter pudding, made with bread soaked in eggs and milk, scattered with cheese and bacon, then baked until golden on the surface, custardy and cheesy on the inside.

And rather than baking it the traditional way in a casserole dish, I’ve used a cake pan – so you also get golden sides and the fun factor of being able to serve slices of it like cake!

Close up showing inside of Cheese and Bacon Strata Cake - Breakfast Casserole

Something different – but you know it’s going to be tasty – right?! I like the way you sort of get “swirls” throughout the “cake”, which are really just the crust of the baguette I chopped up to make this breakfast “cake”!


What you need for this breakfast cake

Here’s all you need to make this breakfast strata – bread, eggs, bacon, cheese and milk. All the breakfast essentials!

Ingredients in Cheese and Bacon Strata Cake - Breakfast Casserole

Absolutely any bread is fine – I like long breadsticks / baguette-type because you get more “swirls” on the inside because there’s a higher crust to crumb ratio. You can also easily switch bacon for ham.

Also, bonus if it’s stale bread because it holds its form better once soaked in the egg mixture. However fresh works just fine too. The bread used in the recipe video and photos is fresh.

Golden crispy bacon and eggy bread mixture for Cheese and Bacon Strata Cake - Breakfast Casserole

How to make this Breakfast Strata

It’s so easy you can do it even when you’re still half asleep. Though to make your mornings even more relaxing, mix it up the night before then just pop it in the oven the next morning!

How to make Cheese and Bacon Strata Cake - Breakfast Casserole
  1. Slice / tear bread into 2.5cm / 1″ pieces. Leave the crust on unless you’re using a really thick-crusted bread. Nobody wants super-thick, chewy crust inside when it’s supposed to be soft and custardy!

  2. 7 cups bread – You need 7 cups of bread in total, just lightly pushed down to fill the cup. I can’t give you a weight because different breads differ in weight for the same volume. Cup measurements are the best way I can describe it!

  3. Whisk together the eggs and milk;

  4. Soak bread – Mix the bread in until it’s totally soaked through with egg mixture, then stir through most of the cooked bacon and cheese (hold some back for sprinkling);

  5. Pour into cake pan – Pour the mixture in a very well-buttered non-stick cake pan. A springform pan is the handiest but a cake pan without a loose base is fine too because the strata cake holds together well enough to turn it out. If you know your cake pan is prone to being sticky, line it with parchment paper because eggs are the ultimate food glue and added cheese makes it like superglue!

  6. Bake 45 minutes – Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes, then remove cover and bake for a further 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and crusty. Check with a skewer inserted into the centre to ensure no raw egg mixture is on it. Let it stand for a few minutes to stabilise then remove the cake pan sides (if you used a springform pan) or turn it out carefully.

Cheese and Bacon Strata Cake - Breakfast Casserole ready to bake in the oven

The smell when this is baking is mouth-watering! It smells like a Quiche Lorraine, and though admittedly it looks a lot more rustic than a quiche, it is a whole lot less effort to put together!!

Customisation options

A very appealing feature of this recipe is that it’s highly customisable. I’ve gone with the breakfast staple of bacon here, but there’s plenty of other options – including adding things like chicken to make it lunch or even dinner worthy:

  • Ham in place of the bacon – a great way to use up leftover Christmas ham (skip the bacon-crisping step).

  • Garlic butter roasted mushrooms would be particular great and also fitting for breakfast. Halve or quarter so they incorporate better (whole will be too large);

  • Any chargrilled or roasted vegetables (follow directions in this Roasted Vegetables Pasta Salad recipe);

  • Feta or goat’s cheese – crumbled;

  • Chicken – cooked, chopped or shredded. Even leftover flavoured chicken eg from tacos or a chicken that was marinated like my Everyday Chicken Marinade;

  • Smoked fish – the oilier the better, so it won’t dry out. Think flaked smoked mackerel, herring/kippers or hot-smoked trout. Regular cold-smoked salmon would also work – it’ll cook in the strata because it’s thin and become “hot-smoked” – delicious!

  • Spinach – Make my garlic sauteed spinach, chop roughly and distribute before baking.

  • Breakfast sausages – Remove skin, break into small pieces, pan-fry as per bacon.

  • Olives, sun dried tomatoes and other antipasto-type things.

Slice of Cheese and Bacon Strata Cake - Breakfast Casserole, being eaten for breakfast

To serve, slice it up just like cake. If you’re the civilised sort, eat it with a fork but it holds together well enough to just eat it with your hands. 😉Excellent food for on the go! – Nagi x

Watch how to make it

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Cheese and Bacon Strata Cake - Breakfast Casserole

Cheese & Bacon Breakfast Strata Cake (Breakfast Casserole!)

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 45 mins
Breakfast
Western
4.97 from 92 votes
Servings8
Tap or hover to scale
Print
  • 2248
Recipe video above. Strata, breakfast casserole, savoury French toast bake or savoury bread pudding. It doesn't matter what you call this, it's totally delish and can be made ahead, so it's great for feeding a crowd! It tastes like a cross between a quiche, French toast and an omelette.
Excellent use of leftover bread, and also to make less bacon stretch further. Also customisable – imagine all the add in possibilites! See in post for some ideas.

Ingredients

  • 300g / 10 oz bacon , diced (or ham)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups milk (full cream or low fat)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Black pepper
  • 7 cups (packed) any plain bread (I use baguettes) , cut into 2 cm / 1 inch cubes (preferably slightly stale, Note 1)
  • 2 cups cheese , shredded (Note 2)

Optional garnish

  • parsley , finely chopped (garnish – optional)

Instructions

  • Cook bacon: Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. (Use a bit of oil if not using non-stick). Add all but 2 tbsp of bacon (reserve some for topping just before baking), cook until lightly browned. Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel.
  • Whisk eggs and milk: Whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper in a large bowl (or container, if leaving overnight).
  • Soak bread: Add the bread, 1 1/2 cups of the cheese and the cooked bacon to the egg mixture. Mix well. Cover and set aside in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (until all the egg is soaked into the bread) or overnight.

To Cook:

  • Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (all oven types).
  • Grease cake tin: Generously grease a 20cm/8" springform cake tin with butter (cake pan without loose sides also ok, also see Note 3 re: leakage risk).
  • Fill: Pour the bread mixture into the cake tin, pat down to compress. Scatter with reserved uncooked bacon and remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Cover loosely with foil.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for a further 15 – 20 minutes until golden on top and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean (no raw egg).
  • Rest & slice: Allow to rest for 5 minutes before removing the springform or turning out. Garnish with parsley if using. Cut into slices to serve. Be civil and eat it on a plate with a fork, or just use your hands!

Recipe Notes:

1. Bread – any plain bread will work here, white or wholemeal, loaves, French sticks/baguettes (which is what I used), hamburger buns, rolls. I personally prefer plain rather than with seeds or other bits in it just to have a smooth custardy centre.
Also best to avoid artisan dense breads like sourdough with really thick chewy crusts which are a bit too thick for the custardy inside of this dish.
How much bread? – It’s a bit tricky to define because different bread have different weights. I used a standard baguette – about 270g / 9 oz. Best to go by volume: 7 packed cups – push the bread cubes into a 1 cup measure for each cup, pressing down to level the surface.
2. Cheese – You can use any good melting cheese eg. tasty / cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, pepper jack.Although tempting, avoid mozzarella because it doesn’t have much flavour (but if you do use it, add another 1/4 tsp salt).
3. Cake pan – If you don’t have a springform pan, use a standard cake pan (it holds together well enough to turn out) or a 10″/25cm square baking dish . Do not make this in a sandwich pan with a loose base (ie not springform) – egg will leak.
Leakage note –  if you know your springform pan is prone to leaking with runny cake batters, put a tray on the shelf underneath, just in case (not on the same shelf, reduces heat around cake pan so increases cook time). The bread should soak up most of the egg so there should be little leakage, if at all.
4. Leftovers – Will keep in the fridge for 4 to 5 days, and can be reheated in the microwave. Also tasty at room temperature! Freezes for 3 months – wrap in cling wrap and store in airtight container (reheats 100% perfectly like quiches do!)
5. Nutrition – Assumes 8 servings, including an estimation of bacon fat discarded.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 166gCalories: 376cal (19%)Carbohydrates: 18g (6%)Protein: 24g (48%)Fat: 22g (34%)Saturated Fat: 10g (63%)Cholesterol: 178mg (59%)Sodium: 902mg (39%)Potassium: 316mg (9%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 4g (4%)Vitamin A: 549IU (11%)Calcium: 315mg (32%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
Keywords: bread bake, Breakfast casserole, Savoury french toast bake, Strata recipe
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

Originally published April 2015, updated October 2020 with brand new photos, video and process steps. Tidied up recipe writing but no change to recipe!

Life of Dozer

The clatter of spaghetti dropping on the floor and he was in the kitchen in a flash…..

Well, I WAS going to give them a wash and use them anyway, but he got to them first!!!

Dozer spaghetti on floor

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378 Comments

  1. Tara says

    May 21, 2023 at 10:57 pm

    4 stars
    Well this was a surprise dish. I Intended to make a quiche tonight and realised I had no frozen shortcrust and could not be bothered making my own, which led me on the search for an alternative. Voila!! super easy to throw together, got rid of the bread that would have been thrown out by tomorrow, used all the scraps of cheese up and cleaned out the bacon drawer! It tasted much better than I imagined and we have left overs for break tomorrow. Great, lazy Sunday meal that I will make again. As I was cleaning out the fridge-I added a chorizo sausage, some chives and some spring onions. I liked how the edge all browns up and goes a little bit crunchy with the lovely soft texture of the inside. Good one Nagi

    Reply
  2. Margaret Quaadman says

    April 17, 2023 at 10:46 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious and easy to prepare. Thank you, Nagi! Love your recipes. ❤️

    Reply
  3. Johanna says

    April 16, 2023 at 9:42 am

    5 stars
    Will Brioche bread work? Thanks Nagi!

    Reply
  4. Esca w says

    April 15, 2023 at 11:00 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve made this twice now, and I have to say I adore it. I also like the cake tin idea. Makes it so easy to portion out and looks pretty. It tastes great. I use a mix of cheeses (self confessed cheese addict) and I’m sure it’s going to be easy to customise the meat too. Thanks for the recipe. Most appetising one of these I’d seen 😍

    Reply
  5. Edilia says

    February 26, 2023 at 10:48 pm

    This strata cake has become my bulk brunch go to recipe. I bought some day old bread from a bakery. My add ins were a can of creamed corn, crispy chorizo, onion, bacon, cherry tomatoes and dusted with fresh grated nutmeg. 😋

    Reply
  6. Adele says

    January 12, 2023 at 11:09 am

    5 stars
    Had this Xmas morning with my family home. I was busy cooking all day so this lovely Cheese & Bacon brekkie casserole was great because it was prepared the night before. Everyone loved it. Thanks for making me look good Nagi 😉 Definitely on my favourites list!

    Reply
  7. Diane says

    January 4, 2023 at 5:14 am

    5 stars
    This is a perfect recipe, I use Trader Joe’s unexpected cheddar and mozzarella mix… then heat up leftover slices in the air fryer for a few minutes. It’s so perfect, I’ve made it 10+ times, you have to try it!

    Reply
  8. Connor says

    July 2, 2022 at 12:54 pm

    Great recipe Nagi! I like to use kransy and jalapeno. Is a great bring along dish for parties

    Reply
  9. Rachael says

    June 30, 2022 at 5:02 pm

    5 stars
    Such a simple delicious and versatile recipe. Tonight’s is left over roast chicken, ham that needs to be eaten, garlic mushrooms and a bit of broccoli for health 😂. A green salad on the side and it’s a whole meal. A great recipe to use up ingredients in the fridge.

    Reply
  10. Maria says

    May 28, 2022 at 4:15 pm

    5 stars
    Nagi, this is such a fantastic recipe! Added red onion and roasted peppers.
    Made it early in the day and left it in the fridge to soak up all the yummy flavours, then baked it in the afternoon. Will definitely be making this again 😋

    Reply
  11. Diane HOBDEN says

    May 28, 2022 at 10:35 am

    5 stars
    Fabulous. Haven’t done for a while, now going to do next week. 🐶🐶

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 28, 2022 at 12:25 pm

      Sounds like a good plan Diane! N x

      Reply
  12. Kate says

    May 22, 2022 at 10:42 am

    I wonder if I can use cream instead of milk? I have a whole lot of leftover cream in my fridge!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 23, 2022 at 3:22 pm

      You could but, a warning, it will be very rich!!! N x

      Reply
  13. Meghan R says

    May 12, 2022 at 1:10 am

    5 stars
    Delicious!
    I work in a bread bakery, so I have an abundance of bread in my freezer. I made just over a triple batch, using a whole challah loaf, and the last quarter of a caraway rye loaf.
    I added sauteed mushrooms, 2 bunches of green onions, and garlic. It added so much flavour!
    I used a 15″x9″ pan, and it was packed – I’d split it up if I were to do this again.
    A great recipe, that was a huge hit with my husband.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 12, 2022 at 2:28 pm

      I bet the caraway rye was so delicious with this! Thanks for that feedback Meghan! N x

      Reply
  14. Adrienne6754 says

    May 9, 2022 at 6:07 am

    5 stars
    Made this today for my lunches this week. Had to cut a bit of the side to fit it in the storage container so got to taste it in advance, and still slightly warm and it was delicious. I am looking forward to trying out the different variations given. Also thanks for the tip of putting a tray on the lower shelf. I have now found out my springform has a small leak 😉

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 9, 2022 at 3:38 pm

      It’s a great recipe for meal prep ahead!! Enjoy your lunches Adrienne! N x

      Reply
  15. Francesca says

    April 29, 2022 at 4:40 pm

    5 stars
    Fantasy recipe had some Vegemite scrolls that I used. Baked in small springform cake tins

    Reply
    • Chic says

      August 7, 2022 at 8:07 am

      Wow what a great idea,doing this for grandkids breakfast.

      Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 1, 2022 at 12:46 pm

      Totally yummy with Vegemite scrolls Francesca!!! N x

      Reply
  16. Francesca says

    March 1, 2022 at 5:20 pm

    I have a lot of egg whites. Can I use just egg whites in this recipe

    Reply
  17. MaryAnne says

    February 23, 2022 at 2:38 am

    Hi Nagi, Thank you for all your recipes, they are always a hit! I’ve made a similar recipe to this for so many years with all sorts of variations, it’s awesome with original Hollandaise or a Greek yogurt style Hollandaise sauce (tastes like the real thing!). One of our most favorite things to do with leftovers (on those rare occasions, lol) is to heat a slice and make a breakfast tortilla wrap, just add extra cheese, fresh veggies if desired and salsa or hot sauce, wrap tightly with paper to keep it intact while driving, its great for breakfast on the go, I’ve also made freezer burritos with leftovers which is also a very tasty breakfast on the run. I’ve even made toasted English muffin sandwiches with the strata, fresh sliced tomatoes and lettuce (lotsa bread, I know, lol) but delicious. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      February 23, 2022 at 9:40 am

      Those are lots of great ideas Mary Anne – thanks!! N x

      Reply
  18. Jo-Ann says

    January 23, 2022 at 1:45 pm

    5 stars
    My whole family loved this recipe, and I have some very fussy eaters in my house. I didn’t need to make three different versions like usual.

    Reply
  19. Johanna says

    January 1, 2022 at 12:12 pm

    I have a few ounces leftover of — need to use up now cranberry crusted goat cheese – from TJs. Would it work in this to add a few chunks here and there? It’s creamy and a little sweet🤔

    Reply
    • Erin says

      January 19, 2022 at 4:44 am

      5 stars
      I love all your recipes I have tried! I have made this twice now. Second time I added some scallions, because I had them on hand and a teaspoon or so of Dijon to the egg mixture.
      It is so good with a salad for a make ahead dinner, prep in the morning and bake when home. This is in the monthly dinner rotation now!

      Reply
  20. Mary Fowler says

    December 29, 2021 at 4:30 am

    5 stars
    Love, love this. It was Christmas morning breakfast, let sit about two hours before baking. Huge hit. Thanks Nagi!

    Reply
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