Tomato, Basil Pesto & Three Cheese Strata

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish.

2Whisk the cream, milk, eggs, 1 tsp salt, and 3/4 tsp pepper in a large to blend. Toss the Cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese in another bowl to blend.

3Layer a third of the bread slices over the bottom of the buttered baking dish and top with a third of the tomato slices. Sprinkle the tomatoes with salt and pepper, then half of the chopped basil, and a third of the cheese mixture (about 1½ cups). Pour a third 1 (about 1¾ cups) of the custard over.

4Top with a second layer of bread, spread all of the pesto over the bread. Arrange half of the remaining tomato slices over the bread and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with half the remaining chopped basil and half of the cheese mixture. Pour over half the remaining custard over.

5Repeat with a third layering of the remaining bread, tomatoes, salt and pepper, chopped basil, and custard. Sprinkle the remaining cheese mixture over. Bake uncovered until puffed and golden on top and a knife comes out clean when inserted, about 50 minutes.

Note

1Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.