Easy Savory Strata

1. 1

   Whisk half and half, eggs, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth.

2. 2

   Spray a 13-by 9-inch Pyrex or ceramic baking dish with vegetable cooking spray.

3. 3

   Line pan bottom with 6 slices of bread, fitting in additional bread, cut into strips, to form a tight fit, which keeps the strata from puffing dramatically, and then sprinkle with half the scallions and cheese.

4. 4

   Pour 1 cup of egg mixture over the topped bread.

5. 5

   Make another layer with remaining bread -adding extra strips of bread if necessaryscallions and cheese.

6. 6

   Slowly pour remaining egg mixture over bread.

7. 7

   Cover with plastic wrap, then weight the casserole with 3 one-pound cans for at least 15 minutes.

8. 8

   Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees.

9. 9

   Bake until custard is just set, about 50 minutes.

10. 10

    Without adjusting oven rack, turn on broiler; broil until strata is spotty brown and puffy, about 5 minutes longer.

11. 11

    Remove from oven, let stand for 8 to 10 minutes, and then serve immediately.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.