Hearty Pepper Strata

Name: Hearty Pepper Strata
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 9 slices whole wheat bread, cubed; 1 package (14 ounces) frozen pepper strips; 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 8 large eggs; 8 large egg whites; 2-1/2 cups fat-free milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Here's a hefty, make-ahead strata that's as satisfying and delicious for dinner as it is for breakfast. You'll want to give this test kitchen recipe a try!

Ingredients

9 slices whole wheat bread, cubed
1 package (14 ounces) frozen pepper strips
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon canola oil
8 large eggs
8 large egg whites
2-1/2 cups fat-free milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Place bread cubes in a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray; set aside.
In a large skillet, saute the peppers, mushrooms and onion in oil until tender. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, egg whites, milk, cheese, salt, pepper and vegetable mixture; pour over the top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 283 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 228mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.

Originally published as Hearty Pepper Strata in Healthy Cooking February/March 2011