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Slab Bacon and Mushroom Strata

Source of Recipe

From "Pig: King of the Southern Table" by James Villas


Recipe Introduction

"Although nobody knows when, how, or why the term 'strata' (referring to a layered casserole) became part of the Southern culinary vernacular, it's for sure that hosts and hostesses would be at a loss without these tasty, substantial dishes prepared traditionally for special breakfasts and casual brunches. Although a strata can be made with virtually any ingredients, by far the vast majority always feature some form of bacon, sausage, or ham. For a more exotic version of this particular strata, I might well substitute earthy morels, chanterelles, or other wild mushrooms for the button variety, just as I might use a full-flavored English Cheshire or French Comté in place of the Swiss cheese."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 4 to 5 slices white bread, crusts trimmed
â—¦ 1 pound lean slab bacon, cut into small dice
â—¦ ½ pound mushrooms, finely chopped
â—¦ 1 medium onion, finely chopped
â—¦ 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
â—¦ 1 cup finely shredded Swiss cheese
â—¦ 2 cups half-and-half
â—¦ 3 large eggs, beaten
â—¦ 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
â—¦ Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
â—¦ Tabasco sauce to taste


Recipe

Grease a 2- to 2 ½-quart casserole, arrange the bread slices across the bottom in a single layer, and set aside.

In a large skillet, fry the bacon over moderate heat till almost crisp. Drain on paper towels, and pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the grease. Add the mushrooms and onion to the skillet and stir till almost golden, about 8 minutes. Return the bacon to the skillet, add the mustard, and stir till well blended.

Spoon the bacon mixture evenly over the bread in the casserole and sprinkle the cheese over the top. In a bowl, combine the half-and-half, eggs, and Worcestershire, season with salt and pepper and Tabasco, whisk till well blended, and pour over the cheese. Cover the strata with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350° F, then bake the strata 45 to 50 minutes and serve piping hot.

Makes 6 to 8 servings