CHEDDAR CHEESE AND RED BELL PEPPER STRATA

Cheddar Cheese and Red Bell Pepper Strata image

Yield Serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 medium-size red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup chopped green onions
5 slices white bread
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups whole milk
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper to skillet and sauté until just tender, about 4 minutes. Mix in green onions; sauté 1 minute longer. Remove from heat.
Spread 1 1/2 tablespoons butter thinly on bread. Cut bread into 1/2-inch pieces. Layer half of bread in 8 x 8 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Cover with half of cheese, then half of bell pepper mixture. Repeat layering with bread, cheese and bell pepper mixture. Beat milk, eggs, Dijon mustard, dry mustard, salt and pepper in medium bowl to blend. Pour over strata.
Bake strata until lightly browned on top and set in center, about 45 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes; cut into squares.