Soaking the strata overnight in the refrigerator before baking will make it even creamier—and reduce prep time in the morning. To test for doneness, pierce center of strata with a sharp knife; it should feel firm and the knife should come out clean.

　　

Ingredients

serves 6

　　Unsalted butter, room temperature, for baking dish

　　4 English muffins, split, toasted, and cut into half-moons

　　1/2 pound Canadian bacon (about 10 slices), cut into half-moons

　　1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (5 ounces)

　　1 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (4 ounces)

　　8 large eggs

　　3 cups milk

　　4 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

　　Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

　　1/4 teaspoon hot-pepper sauce, such as Tabasco

　　

Step 1

Butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish. Arrange muffin halves and Canadian bacon cut sides down (see below) in dish. Sprinkle evenly with both cheeses.

　　

Step 2

Whisk together eggs, milk, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, a pinch of pepper, and the hot-pepper sauce until combined. Pour into dish; cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours (or up to overnight).

　　

Step 3

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until puffed and set in the center, about 1 1/2 hours. (Tent loosely with aluminum foil if strata browns too quickly.) Let stand 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

　　

Layering Ingredients

Step 4

The muffin halves and Canadian bacon are arranged upright in the baking dish for easier serving. When cutting, you’ll be able to see the layers and make sure each portion contains a few pieces of bread and bacon.

　　Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2010 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by the Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine’s editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.