WESTERN BACON STRATA

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 8 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups milk (2%)
• 6 cups day-old white bread cubes
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno, divided
• 1 can (114 mL) diced green chilies, drained
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion

Directions

1. Cook bacon in a large frypan over medium heat until browned and crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon; drain bacon on paper towels. Drain off all but 1 tbsp fat from frypan. Add bell peppers and sauté for 2 minutes. Cool completely.
2. Whisk together eggs, chili powder, cumin and salt in a large bowl. 3. Whisk in milk until blended. Stir in bacon, bell peppers, bread cubes, 1 1/2 cups cheese, green chilies and green onion. Do not overmix.
3. Spoon mixture into a greased shallow 3 quart baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. Remove from refrigerator and let stand for 20 - 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F.
5. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in centre comes out clean, about 50 - 55 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.