Everything Bagel Breakfast Strata

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Ingredients

1. 3-4 everything bagels, cut into 1 in cubes
2. 2 T butter , divided
3. 8 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled

Strata

4. 1 medium onion, finely diced
5. 3 sprigs thyme, stemmed and chopped
6. 2 1/2 c half and half
7. 8 eggs
8. 6 oz American cheese, shredded
9. 3 oz Cheddar cheese, shredded
10. 1-2 T of everything bagel spice

Everything Bagel Spice

11. 2 T dried minced onion
12. 2 T sesame seeds, toasted
13. 1 T poppy seeds
14. 1 T dried miced garlic
15. 1 t sea salt
16. 1 t black pepper

Instructions

1. Mix together the ingredients for the 'everything bagel' spice mixture, set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F.
3. Spread out the bagel cubes in an evenlayer on a baking sheet.
4. Melt 1 T of the butter and then pour it over the bagel cubes.
5. Toast the bagel cubes in the oven, tossing occasionally, for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden and crunchy.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
7. Transfer to a baking dish.
8. Meanwhile, crisp the bacon in a skillet, blot on paper towels and set aside.
9. Melt remaining 1 T butter in a skillet.
10. Add onion and thyme, cook over medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent.
11. Allow to cool and then add to the bagel cubes in the baking dish, distributing evenly.
12. Whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, and the grated cheeses.
13. Pour the mixture over the bagel cubes and onion and press everything down slightly to ensure that it is all evenly submerged in the liquid.
14. Top with the crisped bacon.
15. Sprinkle with 1-2 T 'everything bagel mixture'.
16. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.

Make ahead version

1. Prepare recipe through step 12.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
3. When ready to bake, heat the oven to 350°F.
4. Remove the strata from the refrigerator and top with the crisped bacon, and 1-2 T of the 'everything bagel' spice mixture.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.

Picture of Recipe