Bacon Breakfast Strata

Bacon Breakfast Strata

Ingredients:
12 slices white bread
1 2 cup chopped onion
1 / 2 cup chopped mushrooms (optional)
10 strips thick bacon
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
12 eggs
4 cups milk
salt and pepper to taste
softened butter

Directions:
Trim crust off bread; spread butter on both sides and place six slices in bottom of a 9x12 pan. Place the other 6 slices aside. Sauté onions and mushrooms. Set aside. Cook the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Crumble. Set aside. Spoon half the mushrooms, onions and bacon over the bread, covering evenly. Cover this with half the grated cheese. Repeat the layers again, starting with a layer of bread and ending with the grated cheese.
Beat together the eggs, milk, salt and pepper and pour over the casserole. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes covered, then for 30 minutes uncovered. Cut into squares and serve hot.