Spinach and Pancetta Strata

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Prep Time:

15 min

Inactive Prep Time:

2 hr 0 min

Cook Time:

55 min

Level:

Intermediate

Serves:

6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, coarsely chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 (10-ounce) box chopped frozen spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 8 cups cubed Italian bread, from a 1-pound loaf
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
• 3 cups whole milk
• 10 large eggs

Directions

Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and saute until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a bowl. Add the onion to the pan drippings in the same skillet and saute until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the spinach and garlic. Saute over medium-low heat until the garlic is tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, nutmeg, and the cooked pancetta.

Place half of the bread cubes in a buttered 3-quart baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the bread, then top with half of the spinach mixture. Repeat layering.

Whisk the milk, eggs, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper in a large bowl and pour evenly over the strata. Chill the strata, covered with plastic wrap, at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Bake strata uncovered until puffed, golden brown, and cooked through, 40 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

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