This is a yummy cheesy dish your entire family will enjoy!

Crowd-Pleasing Cheesy Strata

1 lb.           French bread (with crust removed & cut into ½ inch to ¾ inch slices)

2 cups      reduced-fat cheddar cheese (shredded)

1 cup      reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)

3               eggs

4               egg whites

5 cups     skim milk

3 tsp.       onion (grated)

2 tsp.       dry mustard

1 tsp.        salt

     paprika to taste

Directions:

Coat a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray. Place half of the bread slices in bottom of pan, with edges slightly overlapping. Sprinkle with 1½ cups cheese. Place remaining bread slices on top of cheese. Whisk eggs & egg whites in large bowl. Add milk, onion, mustard & salt, whisking until well blended. Pour evenly over bread & cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and garnish with paprika sprinkles. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Bake about 45 minutes or until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. For added flavor and zip, sprinkle a few chopped olives or jalapenos on top before browning!

Serves 8 (approximately 6 slices per serving, depending upon size of loaf)

Nutrients per serving: 339 calories, 6.5g fat, 2.3g sat fat, 86mg cholesterol, 962mg sodium, 37.4g carbs, 1g fiber, 16.6g protein, 385mg calcium, 357mg potassium