Spicy Strata

Directions

1. 1
   Butter 8-by-8-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. 2
   Heat butter over medium heat.
3. 3
   When it foams, add scallions, and cook until just softened, about 1 minute.
4. 4
   Add asparagus and cook until bright green and beginning to soften, about 2 minutes; remove from heat.
5. 5
   Whisk eggs, half-and-half, salt, cumin, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly combined.
6. 6
   Arrange half of the bread in bottom of prepared dish.
7. 7
   Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the cheese and half each of jalapenos, cilantro, and asparagus mixture.
8. 8
   Pour over half of egg mixture.
9. 9
   Repeat layering with remaining bread, another 1/2 cup of the cheese, and remaining chilies, cilantro and asparagus mixture.
10. 10
    Pour remaining egg mixture over top.
11. 11
    Sprinkle strata with another 1/4 cup of the cheese and push to ensure bread is submerged in egg custard.
12. 12
    Cover with plastic wrap, put a plate and a 1-pound weight on top (a large can of tomatoes or rice in a re-sealable plastic bag works well), place in refrigerator for 1 to 12 hours.
13. 13
    When ready to bake, heat oven to 325 degrees F and arrange rack in the middle.
14. 14
    Let strata sit at room temperature while oven heats, at least 20 minutes.
15. 15
    Sprinkle strata with remaining 1/4 cup of the cheese and bake until puffed and edges pull away slightly, about 40 to 45 minutes.
16. 16
    Cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
17. 17
    Serve with some cilantro, sour cream, and avocado, as desired.