First Step: Prepare the ingredients Cook diced bacon in a large non-stick pan over high heat until lightly browned and crisp. Drain on paper towels and reserve 2 tablespoons for the topping. Cube your bread into roughly 2 cm (1 inch) pieces, ensuring it’s slightly stale for better custard absorption.

Second Step: Make the custard mixture In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture will soak into the bread, binding everything together with a creamy texture.

Third Step: Combine bread, bacon, and cheese Add the bread cubes, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese, and the cooked bacon into the bowl with the custard mixture. Stir gently to ensure the bread is evenly coated and the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a more custardy result.

Fourth Step: Assemble and bake Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Generously grease an 8-inch (20 cm) springform pan or similar baking dish with butter. Pour the soaked bread mixture into the pan, pressing down gently to distribute evenly. Sprinkle the reserved bacon and the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top.

Final Step: Baking and serving Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes to prevent over-browning. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the strata rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve with a fork or by hand.