Make-Ahead Cheddar, Bacon, and Tomato Strata

Step 1
Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove bacon from pan, reserving drippings in the skillet. Crumble when cool enough to handle.

Step 2
Add onion to drippings in the skillet; saute for 4 minutes. Add garlic and saute for 1 minute. Remove from heat; combine onion mixture and bacon.

Step 3
Whisk milk, eggs, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper together in a bowl until well combined.

Step 4
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and arrange 1/2 of the bread cubes in the bottom.

Step 5
Top bread cubes with 2/3 cup Cheddar cheese, 1/2 of the onion mixture, and 6 tomato slices. Pour 1/2 of the milk mixture over tomatoes. Top with remaining bread cubes and 2/3 cup Cheddar. Top with remaining onion mixture, tomato slices, and milk mixture. Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.

Step 6
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Step 7
Bake strata in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 55 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining Cheddar cheese and bake until cheese melts, an additional 5 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.