Savory Salami Strata

Name: Savory Salami Strata
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: Butter, softened; 16 slices bread, crusts removed; 1 cup diced fresh tomato; 1/4 cup diced green pepper; 8 slices salami or pepperoni; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 6 large eggs, lightly beaten; 3 cups 2% milk; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

The mild Italian flavor makes this dish a great choice for a brunch. I served it at my daughter's First Communion celebration. The wonderful aroma greeted guests as they came in the house.—Peggy Nelson, Webster, Minnesota

Ingredients

Butter, softened
16 slices bread, crusts removed
1 cup diced fresh tomato
1/4 cup diced green pepper
8 slices salami or pepperoni
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
6 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups 2% milk
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions

Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place eight slices buttered side up in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Set aside 1 tablespoon each of the tomato and green pepper. Layer with salami, cheese, remaining tomato and green pepper. Top with remaining bread.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, basil, salt and Italian seasoning. Pour over bread. Sprinkle with reserved tomatoes and green pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 55 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.