Asparagus, Bacon and Cheese Strata

Stratas make an excellent breakfast or brunch, and they give you the perfect opportunity to use up leftover vegetables, lean meats and day-old bread.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 1 Strata

Ingredients

• 2  teaspoons olive oil or 2  teaspoons  vegetable oil
• 4  slices  uncooked  turkey bacon, diced
• 1⁄2 cup  uncooked onion, diced
• 2  cups  uncooked fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces or 2  cups frozen asparagus, thawed cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1  spray  cooking spray
• 6  slices  reduced-calorie whole wheat bread
• 4  large eggs
• 5  large  egg whites
• 3⁄4 cup skim milk
• 2  teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1⁄2 teaspoon table salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2  tablespoons  grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 1  cup  low fat  shredded cheddar cheese, about 4 ounces

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Add onion and asparagus; sauté until vegetables are soft, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove vegetables from pan and set aside.
2. Preheat broiler.
3. Off heat, coat same skillet with cooking spray. Arrange break slices tightly in bottom of skillet.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, milk, mustard, salt and pepper; pour over bread and allow milk mixture to soak in entirely (like when you make French toast). Sprinkle bread with 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.
5. Place skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Cook, shaking pan frequently to promote even cooking, until almost cooked through on the top, about 4 to 5 minutes.
6. Place skillet under broiler to set eggs, about 2 minutes. Remove skillet from broiler; top with bacon-vegetable mixture, cheddar cheese and remaining tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Place skillet under broiler again until cheese melts, about 1 to 2 minutes. Slice into 6 pieces and serve. Yields 1 piece per serving.
7. NOTES:
8. If you don't have an oven-proof skillet, cover the handle with aluminum foil before broiling.