Canadian-Bacon Strata

Ingredients

• Butter softened for pan
• 4 English muffins split, toasted, and cut in half
• 1/2 lb. sliced about 10 slices, Canadian bacon, halved
• 1 1/4 cups shredded (5 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 8 large eggs
• 3 cups milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce such as Tabasco

Instructions

1. 1
   Butter a 2-quart shallow baking dish (oval or square); set aside. In dish, alternately arrange, cut side down, muffin halves and Canadian bacon. Sprinkle with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Set aside.
2. 2
   In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, a pinch of pepper, and hot sauce until combined. Pour over muffins and bacon; cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
3. 3
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet; remove plastic wrap. Bake until puffed and set in the center (see note above), about 1 hour and 30 minutes. (Tent loosely with foil if strata starts to brown too quickly.) Let stand 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
4. 4
   Note: With a paring knife, pierce the center of the cooked strata. If it feels firm and the knife comes out clean, the eggs have set and the strata is done.