Southwest Breakfast Strata

Grease a 2 1/2-quart or larger baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium high, then add scallions and corn. Cook until scallions are softened and corn is thawed and warm, around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Off heat, stir in paprika, chile powder, ½ teaspoon salt, cilantro, and basil.

Whisk eggs, milk, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt in a liquid measuring cup or mixing bowl. Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl, pour egg mixture over it, add corn mixture and cheese, and mix it all together. Using your hands to mix works best. Spread evenly in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate at least a few hours, or overnight.

To bake, remove from refrigerator for an hour, then preheat oven to 375ºF. Bake uncovered until set and beginning to brown, 45–55 minutes. Garnish with additional paprika and cilantro. Serve with desired toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, and pickled red onions.

Note: To make it meaty, mix in crumbled, cooked breakfast sausage. My sister tested this variation on her husband and it came out great!