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Chorizo Tomato Strata

With chorizo sausage and Gruyere cheese, this oven-baked dish makes a satisfying morning meal. The seasonings blend to create a tantalizing flavor everyone at your table will remember.

—DONNA COWLEY DEKALB, IL



PREP: 25 MIN. • BAKE: 35 MIN. + STANDING • MAKES: 12 SERVINGS


1/2 pound uncooked chorizo

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Gruyere cheese, divided

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

1 garlic clove, halved

1 loaf (1/2 pound) day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch slices

2 large tomatoes, sliced

8 eggs

2 cups milk

3/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1. Crumble chorizo into a small skillet; cook and stir over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain. Stir in 1/3 cup cheese and cilantro.

2. Preheat oven to 350°. Rub cut side of garlic clove over bread slices; discard garlic. Place bread in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with tomatoes, meat mixture and remaining cheese.

3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, onion powder and pepper flakes. Pour over casserole.

4. Bake, uncovered, 35-45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean (cover loosely with foil if top browns too quickly). Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.