Grilled Cheese, Bacon and Tomato Strata

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon
• 1 cup sliced onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 8 cups cubed Italian bread
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 3 tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sliced fresh basil
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Cook the bacon until crisp, remove from pan and crumble.

2. 2

   Saute the onions and garlic in about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease until

3. 3

   tender, about 4 minutes. Combine the onions with the bacon.

4. 4

   Place 4 cups of bread in the bottom of a 9 by 13 pan, top with 2/3 cup cheese and 1/2 the onion mixture and 1/2 of the tomatoes.

5. 5

   Combine the eggs, milk, basil and seasonings and pour half over the tomatoes. Repeat the layers.

6. 6

   Cover and chill over night. Bake, uncovered at 325 degrees for 55 minutes.

7. 7

   Sprinkle with the remaining 2/3 cup of cheese and return to the oven until

8. 8

   the cheese melts, about 5 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.