Cheese & Bacon Strata Cake (A Cozy Breakfast Casserole You Slice Like Cake)
Hi, I’m Helen Whitaker — welcome to Cookliva.
Some mornings call for quiet bowls of oatmeal and sliced fruit. Other mornings — especially the ones when everyone’s home, the coffee pot is working overtime, and the house feels full — call for something heartier. This cheese and bacon strata cake was born out of one of those mornings in my kitchen.
I first made this when Mark’s parents were staying over for the weekend. I wanted something that felt special but didn’t require standing at the stove flipping bacon and frying eggs while everyone else chatted at the table. I needed breakfast to wait for me, not the other way around. That’s when this savory strata cake became my go-to.
It’s baked in a cake pan, sliced like a cake, and filled with everything we love about breakfast — eggs, milk, bread, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. The inside turns soft and custardy, almost like a savory French toast, while the top and sides bake into a golden, slightly crisp crust. Emma calls it “breakfast cake,” and Lucas insists the corner pieces are the best because they’re extra crunchy.
This is the kind of recipe that feels generous. It feeds a crowd, forgives substitutions, and can be made ahead so your morning stays calm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheese and bacon strata cake checks so many boxes, especially if you enjoy stress-free cooking:
- It’s perfect for feeding a group without cooking individual portions
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients
- Make-ahead friendly — assemble the night before and bake in the morning
- A great way to use up leftover or slightly stale bread
- Slices neatly and holds together beautifully
- Cozy, savory, and deeply satisfying
It tastes like a cross between a quiche, an omelet, and savory bread pudding — familiar, comforting flavors in a slightly unexpected form.
The Origin of This Recipe
Stratas have been around for ages, often baked in casserole dishes and served with a spoon. I love those, but one day I wondered what would happen if I treated it more like a cake. Baking it in a round pan gives you browned sides, defined slices, and a presentation that feels just a little bit fun.
The first time I tried it this way, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. But when I unmolded it and sliced into the center, revealing those swirled pieces of bread soaked in cheesy egg custard, I knew it was something special.
Now, it’s one of those recipes I rely on whenever I want breakfast to feel thoughtful without being complicated.
Ingredients
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients, but each one plays an important role.
Bread
Any plain bread works here — baguette, rolls, sandwich bread. Slightly stale bread is ideal because it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart. The crust adds texture and structure, which helps the strata hold together when sliced.
Eggs
Eggs are the backbone of the dish. They bind everything together and create that custardy interior that makes strata so comforting.
Milk
Milk softens the eggs and creates a creamy texture. Whole milk gives the richest result, but low-fat works just fine.
Bacon
Bacon adds salt, smokiness, and richness. Cooking it first ensures crisp pieces throughout the strata rather than chewy pockets.
Cheese
Choose a good melting cheese with flavor — cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, or a blend. Cheese adds creaminess and depth and helps form that golden crust on top.
Seasoning
Salt and black pepper are simple but essential. Bacon and cheese bring saltiness, so you don’t need much.
Instructions
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving. Take it slow and enjoy the process.
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook most of the diced bacon in a hot skillet until lightly crisp. Drain on paper towels. Set aside a small amount uncooked — this will crisp beautifully on top while baking.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Add the bread cubes to the egg mixture. Stir gently until every piece is coated and beginning to soak. Sprinkle in most of the cheese and the cooked bacon, folding carefully so everything is evenly distributed.
If you have time, let this rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, giving you a creamier interior.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
Generously butter a round cake pan or springform pan. Eggs and cheese love to stick, so don’t be shy here.
Step 5: Assemble
Pour the mixture into the pan, pressing down gently to compress it. Scatter the reserved bacon and remaining cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake until the center is set. Remove the foil toward the end so the top turns golden and lightly crisp.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Let the strata rest for a few minutes before unmolding or slicing. This helps it hold together cleanly.
Tips & Flavor Variations
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how adaptable it is:
- Swap bacon for ham or breakfast sausage
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables
- Use feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist
- Add roasted vegetables for a lunch or dinner version
- Try smoked fish for a more elegant brunch option
When I make this for dinner, I’ll sometimes add roasted peppers and onions and serve it with a green salad.
Common Myths & Mistakes
Myth 1: Fresh bread works best
Slightly stale bread actually gives better structure and texture.
Myth 2: You need a casserole dish
A cake pan works beautifully and gives better browning on the sides.
Myth 3: It must be eaten hot
This strata is just as delicious warm or at room temperature.
Myth 4: It’s only for breakfast
With the right add-ins, this makes a wonderful lunch or light dinner.
FAQ
Can I make this the night before?
Yes, and I often do. Assemble, cover, refrigerate, then bake in the morning.
How long does it keep?
It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Slice, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat?
Microwave individual slices or warm in the oven until heated through.
This cheese and bacon strata cake is the kind of recipe that makes mornings feel easier and gatherings feel warmer. It’s simple, filling, and meant to be shared — preferably with strong coffee and people you love nearby.
