BROCCOLI AND CHEESE STRATA

INGREDIENTS

8oz loaf french bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 broccoli crowns, cut into bite size pieces

2 cups fat-free milk

4oz fontina cheese, grated

4oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated

10 large eggs

salt and cracked black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400F.

In a large bowl, add 2 cups of ice and enough cold water to just cover the ice. Set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the broccoli and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bright green. Using a slotted spoon. remove the broccoli from the pot and place it directly into the ice bath. Let chill for 2 minutes before draining on a kitchen towel.

Arrange bread cubes on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes or until toasted. Remove from oven and let cool.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together, add both cheeses, season with salt and pepper, and mix until fully combined.

Add bread and broccoli to the egg mixture, tossing well to fully coat the bread. Spoon mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350F.

Place baking dish, foil and all, into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking until the top is browned and the strata is cooked through, about an additional 40-50 minutes.