Rita's Eggs Strata

This is a wonderful recipe for a special occasion Brunch or Breakfast. Passed on to my by a dear friend, this has been a Christmas Morning tradition in my home for almost 10 years.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 458 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 8 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• 10 slices stale white bread

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Spread butter onto one side of each slice of bread. Cut into quarters. Lay half of the bread, butter side down, in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the Cheddar cheese and half of the Monterey Jack. Layer the remaining bread over the cheese, and top with the other halves of the cheeses.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, and milk. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, pepper, cayenne, onion powder, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the cheese and bread. Cover, and refrigerate at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Bake the strata uncovered for 1 hour in the preheated oven. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Slice and garnish with fresh parsley.