Bacon, Cheddar and Spinach Strata

1 . Stage

Oil bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish with about a tablespoon of bacon fat.

2 . Stage

Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.

3 . Stage

Crack eggs into a separate mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, cayenne, and nutmeg. Add cream and whisk mixture thoroughly.

4 . Stage

Pour egg/cream mixture over the bread cubes and mix to distribute ingredients evenly. Allow bread mixture to sit about 15 minutes to absorb the liquid.

5 . Stage

Transfer half of the bread mixture to the baking pan; spread evenly over the bottom and press mixture down a bit. Top with half of the grated Cheddar cheese. Add cooked bacon pieces in an even layer over the cheese. Place the cooked spinach over the bacon; top with half of the remaining cheese. Finish with the rest of the soaked bread cubes, spread evenly and pressed down slightly. Sprinkle with the rest of the grated cheese. Cover and let strata sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.

6 . Stage

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

7 . Stage

Bake strata in preheated oven until set, about 45 minutes. Optionally, you can broil the strata for a minute or two to brown the top. Chef John