Cheese Strata - cooking recipe

Ingredients

16 (3/4-inch thick) pieces French bread, crust removed
1 lb. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
4 c. milk
6 whole eggs
2 tsp. dry mustard
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper (may use white and red pepper)
1 small can chopped green chilies

Preparation

Lightly butter bread both sides; cut each slice into 8 pieces. Alternate layers of cheese and bread, beginning and ending with bread in a 9 x 13-inch buttered dish.
Beat the next 6 ingredients together; pour over bread and cheese.
Allow to stand refrigerated overnight, covered.
Cover baking dish; place in pan of water. Bake for 1 1/2 hours at 350\u00b0.
May also use (or replace chilies) with ham, shrimp, chicken or mushrooms.
Serves 8 to 10.