Oh, where do I even begin with this fabulous Croissant Strata with Bacon & Caramelized Onion? If heaven had a breakfast, this would surely be it! I first discovered strata during a spring brunch with friends, and I was instantly hooked. It was a magical day filled with laughter, sunny skies, and the most incredible aroma wafting from the kitchen that had all of us salivating before the first bite. Since then, this dish has found a special place in my heart and my recipe collection. And let’s be honest—who can resist gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and buttery croissants all baked together? It’s comfort food at its finest, transforming the humble croissant into a decadent breakfast or brunch delight!
This recipe is not just delicious but also a total lifesaver when I have company over. I mean, who wants to spend all morning slaving away in the kitchen when you can whip this up in no time? Each layer is like a warm hug, enveloping you in cheesy goodness as you take your first bite. So grab your croissants and let’s dive into this luscious dish that’s bound to impress anyone who gets to enjoy it!
What’s in Croissant Strata with Bacon & Caramelized Onion?
- Croissants: You’ll need 6 large croissants, preferably day-old. Fresh croissants work too, but day-old ones absorb the custard beautifully for that perfect texture.
- Eggs: Six large eggs create the custard base. They help bind everything and provide that rich texture we love.
- Whole milk: Two cups of whole milk adds creaminess to the strata. You can combine it with skim milk if you want a slightly lighter version.
- Heavy cream: This is where the indulgence lies! One cup adds richness and decadent flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: One cup of shredded cheddar adds a sharp, savory kick. I love using Tillamook for its consistency and flavor!
- Swiss cheese: One cup gives a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the bacon and caramelized onions.
- Bacon: Eight slices of cooked and crumbled bacon bring that smoky, crispy element we all adore!
- Onions: Two medium onions, when caramelized, become sweet and rich, adding depth to our strata.
- Butter: Three tablespoons of unsalted butter for caramelizing the onions—because everything is better with butter, right?
- Dill: Fresh or dried, dill brightens the dish with a pop of flavor. I tend to favor fresh dill when I can find it!
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning. Salt brings out the flavors, while black pepper adds a slight peppery warmth.
- Cayenne pepper: This is optional, but a sprinkle can add a subtle kick if you’re in the mood!
Is Croissant Strata with Bacon & Caramelized Onion Good for You?
This scrumptious Croissant Strata is definitely a treat rather than everyday fare! The combination of eggs and whole milk provides a protein boost, and the bacon adds flavor and satisfaction. Cheese contributes calcium but can be heavy for those mindful of calorie intake. If you’re watching your fat content, consider using lighter cheese or replacing some of the cream with more milk. Also, adding spinach or tomatoes—maybe even swapping heavy cream with a light cream alternative—can make the strat a little healthier. Just remember, moderation is key when indulging in this kind of deliciousness!
Ingredients List
- 6 large croissants, preferably day-old
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for a slight kick
How to Make Croissant Strata with Bacon & Caramelized Onion?
- First thing’s first—preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). We want our strata to bake perfectly!
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions with a pinch of salt and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re beautifully caramelized—this will take about 15-20 minutes. You might want to summon some patience because this step is where the magic happens!
- Grab a large bowl and whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, dill, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This creamy mixture will bring everything together.
- Tear the croissants into large pieces, adding them to the egg mixture. Gently fold to combine—keep it light and fluffy!
- Now, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and layer half of the croissant mixture into the bottom.
- Sprinkle on half of the caramelized onions, then half of the crumbled bacon, and top it all off with half of the shredded cheddar and Swiss cheeses.
- Repeat this layering with the remaining croissant mix, onions, bacon, and cheeses.
- Pour any leftover egg mixture over the top, giving it a gentle press so those croissants really soak up all that custard goodness.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and the strata is set. Trust me, your kitchen is going to smell heavenly!
- Give it a few minutes to cool before slicing and serving—you don’t want to burn your tongue on this delightful creation!
More Tips for a Perfectly Cozy Strata
- This dish is best served warm and fresh out of the oven, but it also makes excellent leftovers!
- If you want to sneak in some veggies, feel free to add spinach or chopped tomatoes between layers for added freshness.
- Pssst… serve with a side of fresh fruit to balance the richness and add a splash of color to your brunch spread!
I promise, once you whip up this Croissant Strata with Bacon & Caramelized Onion, it will become a staple recipe in your home. It’s perfect for brunch, gatherings, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights. Feel free to tweak it to your liking; after all, cooking should be fun! If you try it out, I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts—happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
