Pesto Mozzarella Strata

Description:
A Mediterranean inspired "Savory" Breakfast or Brunch dish that will delight your Guests. It's an "All-In-One" meal that will satisfy both the veggie & meat lover in your family. It's a savory & tasty change to the usual sweet breakfast fare.

Ingredients:
16 Slices Italian/French Bread (crusts removed)
3/4 cup Basil Pesto (Genovese style)
1/2 cup Gaeta olives, pitted & coarsely chopped
1 cup roasted red peppers, coarsely chopped
(1 cup of ripe diced tomatoes can be a substitute for peppers)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
8 eggs, beaten
2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
1/2 cup Parmigiano cheese, grated
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. fresh ground pepper

Directions:
Spray 9"x13"x2" non-stick baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 1 side of bread slices with Pesto & arrange slices Pesto side up evenly 9in the pan. Fill in any "open" spaces. Sprinkle the bread evenly with olives & roasted peppers (or tomatoes) and the Mozzarella cheese. In a mixing bowl beat together well the eggs, milk, 1/4 cup Parmigiano cheese & S/P. Pour egg mixture over the Pesto covered bread & sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Parmigiano cheese over the egg/bread mixture, cover with plastic wrap & refrigerate overnight. In the morning, heat oven 325 degrees. Remove plastic wrap & bake the Strata for 55 or 60 minutes to golden brown or until a knife inserted into the center of the Strata comes out clean. Remove from the oven, let stand 5 minutes, cut in squares, plate and serve immediately. Makes 8 generous servings.

Recipe Summary:
Yield: 8 Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 or 60 minutes
Comments:

Other recipes by Portobello Inn B&B:
Double Chocolate Brownies

Recipe Provided By:
Portobello Inn B&B
Herkimer, NY

Herkimer Bed and Breakfast Inns