Bacon and Egg Strata

The perfect breakfast dish, or serve as a light supper for an informal gathering.

Prep time: 25 minutes
Refrigerator stand time: at least 8 hours
Cook time: about 1 hour

• 8 heaping cups 3/4-inch cubes rustic bread
• 1/4 cup Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter, plus extra for buttering dish
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 1 cup 1/2-inch cubes red bell pepper
• 8 strips bacon, cooked crisp and coarsely crumbled
• 1 cup 1/4-inch cubes Kerrygold Dubliner Cheese
• 1 cup 1/4-inch cubes Kerrygold Swiss Cheese
• 3 cups half and half
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 9 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 350° F. Place bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes to lightly toast. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet melt butter. Add onion and sauté over medium heat for 10 minutes to soften. Butter a 13 X 9-inch baking dish and place half  the bread cubes in the dish. Top with half the onion, bell pepper, bacon and cheeses. Repeat layers. Beat together remaining ingredients and pour over bread into dish. Press bread down lightly with a spoon or spatula to coat with egg mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Remove from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until center is set. Makes 12 servings.