Cheddar Chive Mushroom Asparagus Bread Strata

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a little of the butter (about a quarter) to grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8 minutes, until dry and lightly crisp.
3. Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook 5 minutes until browned, then add the asparagus and cook 3 minutes until bright green. Remove from the heat.
4. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, mustard, salt and black pepper until smooth.
5. Scatter half of the toasted bread in the dish, then half of the mushroom-asparagus mixture, half of the cheddar and half of the green onion.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, the remaining mushroom-asparagus mixture and the remaining cheddar; save the remaining green onion for garnish.
7. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers and press the bread down gently so it soaks. Let stand 10 minutes.
8. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until puffed, golden and set in the center, reaching 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
9. Rest 5 minutes, sprinkle with the remaining green onion, cut into 4 portions and serve.