Breakfast Game with Overnight Butternut and Bacon Strata

Breakfast Game with Overnight Butternut and Bacon Strata In the realm of brunch delights, there’s a dish that stands out above the rest, a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds and captivates the senses: Overnight Butternut & Bacon Strata.

Crafted with precision and passion, this recipe is a symphony of flavors, blending the rich umami of maple-flavored bacon with the earthy sweetness of butternut squash, all bound together by a harmonious marriage of cheeses and herbs.

Overnight Butternut and Bacon Strata Unveiling the Ingredients

Overnight Butternut and Bacon Strata Before we embark on our culinary journey, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 3/4 pound maple-flavored bacon strips
• 1 loaf (16 ounces) ciabatta bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups cubed peeled butternut squash (1/2-inch cubes)
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
• 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• 9 large eggs
• 1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Crafting the Masterpiece Overnight Butternut and Bacon Strata

Now that we have our ingredients assembled, let’s dive into the artistry of creation:

1. Prepare the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lay out the bacon strips in a single layer on a baking pan and bake until they achieve a crisp perfection, typically 15-18 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain, while preserving the flavorful drippings in the pan.

2. Toast the Bread: Toss the ciabatta bread cubes in the reserved bacon drippings, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Then, bake them in the oven until they attain a delightful golden brown hue, typically 6-8 minutes.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, which should take around 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute.
4. Cook the Butternut Squash: Introduce the cubed butternut squash to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté until the squash begins to soften, usually 6-8 minutes. Then, add water to the skillet, cover, and cook until the squash reaches a tender consistency, stirring occasionally.
5. Embrace the Sage: Incorporate the chopped fresh sage into the squash mixture, infusing it with an aromatic essence that will elevate the dish to new heights.
6. Layer and Revel: Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish and layer it with the toasted bread cubes. Top this with the crispy bacon and the succulent squash mixture, gently combining the layers to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
7. Embrace the Cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and crumbled Gorgonzola cheeses over the layered ingredients, allowing their creamy richness to permeate throughout the dish.
8. Egg-Cream Infusion: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, milk, and Italian seasoning until well combined. Slowly pour this decadent mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring it seeps into every nook and cranny.

9. Chill and Await: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate it overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify as they rest.
10. Bake to Perfection: When the morning light beckons, remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F, then uncover the dish and bake until a knife inserted in the center emerges clean, typically 50-55 minutes.

11. Garnish with Elegance: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat until it turns a light brown hue. Add the fresh sage leaves and fry them until crisp, typically 1-2 minutes. Serve these decadent fried sage leaves alongside the strata, accompanied by a drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.

Savoring the Sensation

As you indulge in each delectable bite of Overnight Butternut & Bacon Strata, allow yourself to be transported to a realm of gastronomic delight. With its harmonious medley of flavors and textures, this culinary masterpiece is sure to become a cherished favorite among family and friends alike. So, embrace the artistry of breakfast and elevate your morning ritual with this extraordinary dish.