Strata Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty breakfast that you can prepare in advance, and this Strata Recipe is just that. It’s a versatile, savory bread pudding that’s perfect for brunch gatherings, holiday mornings, or a cozy family breakfast. This dish is a wonderful way to utilize day-old bread, transforming it into a warm, cheesy delight that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delicious strata that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why It’s My Go-To
This Strata Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my collection because it’s not only easy to make but also incredibly forgiving. You can customize it based on what you have on hand, making it a perfect solution for leftover vegetables and bread. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
What You’ll Gather
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 10 large eggs
- 3 2/3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Essential Tools for Success
- Large mixing bowl – To whisk together your egg and milk mixture.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – This is the perfect size for your strata.
- Skillet – To sauté the vegetables before adding them to the strata.
- Whisk – For blending eggs and milk smoothly.
- Spatula – To gently fold in the ingredients.
Stepwise Method: Strata Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the onion and red bell pepper, and chop the baby spinach. If your bread is not already cubed, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft and fragrant. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, cheddar cheese, and Gruyère cheese. Mix them well to ensure the bread is evenly coated with cheese.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and dry mustard until well combined. This creamy mixture is what will soak into the bread.
Step 5: Assemble the Strata
Add the sautéed vegetables to the bread and cheese mixture. Pour the egg mixture over the top and gently fold everything together until the bread is well coated. Be careful not to mash the bread cubes.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
Step 7: Bake
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the strata for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, let the strata cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a side of seasonal fruit or a light salad.
Year-Round Variations
- Add cooked sausage or bacon for a meaty twist.
- Substitute vegetables based on the season, such as zucchini or asparagus in spring.
- Use different cheeses like feta or mozzarella for varied flavors.
- Incorporate herbs such as thyme or basil for added freshness.
Don’t Do This
When making your strata, avoid using fresh bread as it won’t absorb the egg mixture properly and can result in a soggy dish. Also, be cautious with the amount of salt; remember that cheese can be quite salty, so adjust accordingly. Lastly, don’t skip the resting time! This step is crucial for the best texture.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
If you have leftovers or want to make this dish ahead of time, it’s freezer-friendly! After baking and cooling completely, cut the strata into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Quick Questions
Can I make strata without dairy?
Yes! You can substitute the whole milk with a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheeses for a delicious variation.
How long can I store leftover strata?
Leftover strata can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using up various types of bread, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or rye. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this strata is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it a day in advance and bake it in the morning, or bake it ahead of time and reheat for easy breakfasts throughout the week.
Wrap-Up
This Strata Recipe is truly a versatile and satisfying dish that brings comfort to any table. With its layers of flavorful ingredients and the ease of preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with seasonal variations, this strata is sure to impress and delight anyone who gets to enjoy it. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to savor every delicious bite!
Strata Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the onion and red bell pepper, and chop the baby spinach. If your bread is not already cubed, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft and fragrant. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, cheddar cheese, and Gruyère cheese. Mix them well to ensure the bread is evenly coated with cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and dry mustard until well combined. This creamy mixture is what will soak into the bread.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the bread and cheese mixture. Pour the egg mixture over the top and gently fold everything together until the bread is well coated. Be careful not to mash the bread cubes.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture.
- When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the strata for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the strata cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a side of seasonal fruit or a light salad.
Notes
- Let the strata rest in the refrigerator to soak up flavors.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Strata can be frozen for up to 3 months; reheat thoroughly before serving.
