Corn, Cheddar and Scallion Strata

By garciamoss

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cups fresh corn (cut from 3 small-to-average cobs)
• 1 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (both white and green parts from a 4-ounce bundle)
• 8 cups whole wheat, country or French bread in 1-inch cubes (weight will vary from 10 to 14 ounces, depending on bread type)
• 2 cups (6 ounces) coarsely grated sharp cheddar
• 1 cup (2 ounces) finely grated parmesan
• 9 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
• 2 3/4 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon table salt or 2 teaspoons of a coarse sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Details

Adapted from smittenkitchen.com

Preparation

Step 1

Generously butter a 3-quart baking dish (a lasagna or 9×13-inch pan works well here too). Toss corn and scallions together in a medium bowl. Combine cheeses in another bowl. In a large bowl, gently beat eggs and mayo together, then whisk in milk, salt and lots (or, if measuring, 1/2 teaspoon) of freshly ground black pepper. Spread one-third of bread cubes in prepared baking dish — it will not fully cover bottom of dish; this is fine. Add one-third of corn, then cheese mixture. Repeat layering twice with remaining bread, corn and cheese. Pour egg mixture evenly over strata. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 1 day.

When ready to bake, heat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake strata, uncovered, until puffed, golden brown and cooked through, about 45 to 55 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Do ahead: Strata keeps baked in the fridge for 4 days or longer in the freezer, wrapped well. It reheats wonderfully, either from the fridge or freezer and holds up well in lunch boxes.