When it comes to breakfast and brunch, there's nothing quite like a delicious casserole to kick - start your day. One such delightful creation is the bacon and cheese strata featuring fresh pears. This unique combination brings together the savory flavors of bacon and cheese with the sweet and juicy taste of pears, creating a breakfast dish that is both satisfying and memorable.

Let's first understand the concept of a strata. A strata is essentially a baked egg and bread casserole. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients according to your taste preferences. In this case, we're using fresh pears to add a sweet twist to the traditional savory strata.

To begin with, the key ingredient in any strata is the bread. For this bacon and cheese pear strata, it's important to dry the bread cubes. Drying the bread cubes serves a crucial purpose. When the bread is dry, it has more porousness, which allows it to absorb the egg mixture more readily. You can dry the bread cubes by simply spreading them out on a baking sheet and leaving them at room temperature overnight. Or, if you're short on time, you can pop them in a low - temperature oven for about 15 - 20 minutes until they're slightly dry and crispy.

Next, let's talk about the star ingredient - the fresh pears. Choose ripe but firm pears for this recipe. You can use varieties like Bartlett or Anjou. Peel and core the pears, then cut them into small cubes. The pears will add a burst of natural sweetness to the strata, balancing out the saltiness of the bacon and the richness of the cheese.

Now, onto the bacon. Bacon is a classic breakfast ingredient, and it adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the strata. Cook the bacon until it's crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. You can use regular bacon or even turkey bacon for a leaner option.

For the cheese, you have several choices. Sharp cheddar is a popular option as it has a strong flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. Mozzarella can also be used for a more melty and gooey texture. You can even mix different types of cheese for a more complex flavor profile. Shred the cheese and set it aside.

To make the egg mixture, crack several eggs into a large bowl. Add some milk, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Whisk the mixture well until it's smooth. The milk will make the egg mixture creamier, and the salt and pepper will enhance the overall flavor.

Now, it's time to assemble the strata. In a greased baking dish, layer the dried bread cubes, pear cubes, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the layers, making sure that all the ingredients are well - coated. You can gently press down on the layers to ensure that the egg mixture seeps through.

Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate it overnight. This step is important as it allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful strata. The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the foil from the baking dish and bake the strata for about 45 - 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.

Once the strata is baked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish it with some fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of color and flavor. This bacon and cheese pear strata is perfect for a weekend breakfast or a brunch gathering with friends and family. It can be served on its own or with a side of fresh fruit salad or a cup of coffee.

In conclusion, this bacon and cheese strata with fresh pears is a wonderful addition to your breakfast and brunch repertoire. It combines the best of savory and sweet flavors, and the process of making it is relatively simple. So, the next time you're looking for a delicious and unique breakfast dish, give this strata a try. You won't be disappointed!