Skillet Breakfast Strata

If cooking and baking for others is considered a love language then it is definitely mine. I love waking up just as the sun is rising and the house is silent except for the hum of my refrigerator and the chirping of birds just outside my window. The early morning hours are the only time of day where all is peaceful and I get to enjoy some quiet me time before the rest of the day is consumed by activities, to-do lists, and the constant refereeing between kids. The early dawn hour also provides a moment of being alone in the kitchen with a cup of barely sweetened coffee to keep my hands warm and to awaken me out of slumber. It is my favorite time of day to bake something either sweet or savory for my family or friends to wake up to. It is a way for me to express my love to those I love. The gift of greeting each person as they walk into my kitchen and watching their sleepy faces perk up when they realize they are on the verge of getting to eat something wonderfully homemade is a reward to me like no other.

Although I don't wake up every morning to greet them with a freshly baked dish, I find Sunday mornings to be the perfect day to occasionally bake something special. If you're looking for a great way to celebrate the dad in your life for Father's Day this Sunday, this breakfast strata can be prepared the night before so all you need to do is wake up and pop it in the oven. I love this strata for its simplicity and beauty. With its bread-pudding-like texture and the thin crispy cheese layer top, this strata is breakfast comfort food for the soul. Although there is bacon in this dish, it is not intended to be the star ingredient. Instead, the spinach, bacon, onions, and tomatoes work harmoniously together not trying to outshine one another. With every warm bite, you can taste everything like a symphony of flavor.

The bacon provides a nice salty smokiness whereas the sweet grape tomatoes provide a nice light acidic sweet touch. The spinach adds a nice pop of color and the onions add a depth of flavor only onions can provide. When you pull the strata out of the oven, listen for the soft crackling sound. It is the sound of scratch home-baked goodness music to my ears. I can already tell you everyone on the receiving end of your breakfast will appreciate your efforts with a smile, an appreciative word, or just being silent because they are enjoying the food so much they cannot speak, which is sometimes a good thing. 

Enjoy! To all you wonderful dads out there (including my husband Rob), "Happy Father's Day!"