BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR STRATA

Broccoli and Cheddar Strata image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 9h20m

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more, for the baking dish
3 cups half-and-half
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
10 large eggs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 cups bite-sized broccoli florets
12 ounces hot dog buns, cut into 1-inch cubes, preferably stale (about 6 cups)
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar

Steps:

Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
Whisk the half-and-half, Parmesan, eggs, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper together in a large bowl.
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and simmer until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes; drain.
Layer half of the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of the Cheddar, followed by the broccoli. Cover with the remaining bread cubes and pour the half-and-half mixture evenly over top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. (This can also be assembled the day of; just let soak at room temperature 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking.)
On the day of baking, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Let the strata sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Remove the plastic and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar. Bake until slightly puffed and just no longer jiggly in the center, 40 to 50 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.