Cheesy Apple-Bacon Strata

Summary
Prep time	30 min
Cook time	2+ hours chilling + 45 min @ 350
Source	Betty Crocker's best Christmas (pg 86)
Yield / serves	12 servings
Rating	Delicious

Ingredients

• 3 T butter
• 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and coarsely chopped (~3 cups)
• 3 T brown sugar
• 4 c cubed firm bread
• 1 lb bacon, crisply cooked and coarsely chopped
• 2 c sharp Cheddar, shredded
• 2 1/2 c milk
• 1 t ground mustard (dry)
• 2 t Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 t salt
• 1/8 t pepper
• 5 eggs

Preparation

Grease a 2-quart casserole dish. Melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Cook the apples in butter 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Stir in the brown sugar; reduce heat to low. Cook 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender.

Layer half each of the bread, bacon, apples and cheese in the casserole dish. Repeat with the remaining bread, bacon, apples and cheese.

Mix the remaining ingredients; pour over the cheese. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 2 hours but no longer than 24 hours.

Heat the oven to 350. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.