Ingredients

serves 6

　　2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more, softened, for the baking dish

　　8 slices white bread

　　1 1/2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese

　　1 1/2 cups grated Swiss cheese

　　2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

　　4 large eggs

　　2 cups milk

　　1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

　　1 teaspoon coarse salt

　　1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

　　

Step 1

Butter an 8-inch-square baking dish; line the bottom with 4 slices bread. Sprinkle with half of each cheese. Top with chives. Layer with the remaining bread and cheese.

　　

Step 2

Whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 6 hours (or overnight).

　　

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Bake the strata until puffed and golden, about 40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

　　Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group.Buy the full book from Amazon.