Bacon & Herbs Strata

Directions

1. Spread the bread slices on a baking sheet and place in an oven at 375 degrees for 20 minutes until toasted. Remove the crusts from the bread slices. Butter one side of the bread slices and cut the slice into 3 equal size strips.
2. In batches spread out the bacon spread evenly in a sauté pan and place over high heat for 1 minute. Turn over and fry for an additional minute. Do not crisp the bacon. Remove to a paper towel covered plate and repeat with the remaining bacon. Allow to cool and then cut into ½ inch pieces.
3. Combine the minced herbs, diced shallot and grated cheeses in a bowl.
4. Grease the inside of a 12" x 9" casserole with the butter. Place a layer of the toasted bread strips butter side up inside of the casserole. Mix and match pieces so that there are no gaps or spaces showing. Evenly spread half of the minced herbs on top of the bread. Evenly cover with half of the grated cheeses.
5. Cover with another layer of toasted bread strips and the remainder of the minced herbs and grated cheeses. Top with the remaining toasted bread strips.
6. Beat the eggs and mix in the half & half and salt & pepper to taste. Slowly and evenly pour over the bread slices allowing it to soak into the layers. Tightly cover with plastic wrapping.
7. Place weight on top of the plastic wrapping to compress the layers. Use items like bags of beans, rice, or sugar. The egg mixture might overflow so be ready to wipe up the excess with paper towels. Place in the refrigerator overnight.
8. The next day preheat your oven to 325 degrees and remove the strata from the refrigerator. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
9. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the strata and place in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until the sides of the strata begin to release from the sides of the casserole and the top begins to brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.