ANY-KIND-OF-STRATA

12 slices bread, cubed
1 lb. cheddar cheese, shredded (or half Swiss Cheese)
4 cups milk
8 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 teaspoons minced onion
cayenne pepper, salt and pepper
3 tablespoons butter

In buttered 9x13-inch pan, spread bread, then cheese.

Beat milk, eggs, dry mustard, onion and seasonings. Pour over cheese. Dot with butter, refrigerate overnight

Bake one hour at 350 degrees F.

VARIATIONS:

CHICKEN STRATA

Reduce basic strata recipe to 4 eggs and 3 cups milk.
Add:
2 cups diced cooked chicken
1/4 cup finely chopped pimiento
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1 (10-oz.) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise

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SPINACH OR BROCCOLI STRATA

Add to basic strata:
2 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, or 1 (10 oz.) pkg. chopped broccoli, cooked; well-drained
8 oz. mushroom, sliced and sauteed

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SAUSAGE STRATA

Add to basic strata:
1 1/2 lb. sausage, cooked and crumbled
8 oz. mushrooms, sautéed with:
1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 cup chopped green pepper

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HAM SAUCE

1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon minced onion
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup medium white sauce
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 to 1 cup diced ham

Saute mushrooms and onion in butter. Add white sauce, Worcestershire and ham; heat well. Serve over strata.

Makes 8-10 servings
Source: Brunch Basket: A Collection of Recipes for Brunch and Light Meals from the Junior League of Rockford, Illinois