Asparagus, Bacon and Cheese Strata

Do you like French toast?  Do you like bacon?  How about asparagus?  Cheese?  Did you ever think there could be something so completely delicious, including all of these ingredients?  Imagine it - a savory, cheesy, rich strata, that you can eat for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner!

I ate one slice the night I made this.  Then I let it cool, individually wrapped each slice in aluminum foil, and froze them in a Ziploc freezer bag (I find it helpful to date my frozen foods, and throw them out after 3 months if they haven't been eaten).  Whenever I want a slice, I simply thaw it in the fridge over night or during the day, and pop it into the toaster oven at about 430F for 10-15 minutes.  Voila!  Delicious strata in no time flat!  What a wonderful make-ahead meal that you can enjoy for the whole week, or for weeks to come.


Adapted from WW Online
Makes 6 servings
Points+ value = 7

• 2 tsp olive oil (this can be omitted if you get enough grease from the bacon, but does not decrease the Points+)
• 4 slices uncooked bacon, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cups asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 6 slices light whole wheat bread, day-old is best
• 4 large eggs
• 4 large egg whites
• 3/4 cup skim milk
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard (I used about 2 1/2 because I love Dijon)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground pepper
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese

Heat a large oven proof skillet over medium heat.  You can choose to add the oil now, or you can wait to see if you get enough fat from the bacon.
Add bacon and cook, stirring, until golden brown, about 4 minutes.
Add onion and asparagus (if you didn't get enough grease from the bacon, you can add oil now); saute until vegetables are soft, about 3 to 5 minutes.  Remove vegetables from pan and set aside.

Preheat broiler.

Off heat, coat same skillet with cooking spray.  Arrange bread slices tightly in bottom of skillet.

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 with 1 Tbsp of Parmesan cheese.

Place skillet over medium to medium-high heat.  Cook, shaking pan frequently to promote even cooking, until almost cooked through to the top, about 4 or 5 minutes.

Place skillet under broiler to set eggs, about 2 minutes.  Remove skillet from broiler; top with bacon-veggie mixture, cheddar cheese, and remaining Tbsp of Parmesan cheese.  Place skillet under broiler again until cheese melts, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Slice into 6 pieces and serve!