Cheese Strata

I've never heard of, or made Cheese Strata before, but it won't be the last time I make it!  What a great and easy meal for a brunch or breakfast for the Holidays!  It's cheap (yay), easy and DELICIOUS!  I had two helpings, my husband had two helpings, and even though my daughter was reluctant to try it, she ate half of the plate I gave her!  I was happy with that! :)  This is the perfect portion for a family of 4.

Now, I know the picture doesn't look very appetizing, (my husband thought he was supposed to stir it when he got home.....he wasn't!  LOL) but I promise it tastes awesome! :)

P.S.  It's not all that great warmed up the next day, (I should know, I just tried) so eat it up while it's hot! ;)

Cheese Strata

Ingredients:

14 slices of bread, crust cut up and broken into bite sized pieces.

3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

4 Tbsp. butter, cut into approximately 8 pieces

6 large eggs

3 cups milk, warmed for 3 minutes in the microwave (I used half and half because I had a huge container to use up!)

1 small onion, chopped finely

2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

3-4 dashes hot sauce (don't worry, it doesn't add spice, just good flavor!)

1 tsp. garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Directions:

Heavily spray the Slow Cooker insert with cooking spray!

Place half the bread in the bottom of the crock pot.  Place 4 pieces of butter on top of the bread.  Spread 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese on top of that.  Repeat this process with the remaining bread, butter and cheese.

Mix the milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper and onion together.  

Pour mixture over the bread/cheese layers.

Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.

Enjoy!

TIPS:  I find it much cheaper to shred my own cheese most of the time.  You end up using far less, especially if you grate the cheese finely!