Description
🍴 This Strata Recipe combines rich flavors and a hearty texture, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying brunch! 🥖
🍳 Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s an easy and delicious way to bring everyone together at the table. 🥂
Ingredients
Bread (such as sourdough, baguette, or Italian sandwich bread, preferably stale or day-old)
Large eggs (8-10 eggs)
Whole milk, half-and-half, or cream
Cheese (such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or Cheddar)
Salt
Pepper
Nutmeg (optional)
Vegetables (optional: spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers, etc.)
Cooked meats (optional: bacon, sausage, shrimp, or crab)
Herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or dill for added flavor, optional)
Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the dish
Instructions
1. Begin by preparing your baking dish. Use a medium-sized dish and lightly grease it to prevent the strata from sticking.
2. Sauté any vegetables or meats you’d like to include, such as spinach, mushrooms, or thoroughly cooked sausage or bacon.
3. Layer your chosen bread evenly in the bottom of the baking dish, creating about a one-inch layer of cubed bread pieces.
4. Top the bread with the sautéed vegetables and cooked meats, creating a colorful and flavor-rich layer.
5. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese over the meats and vegetables. For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheeses.
6. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg until well combined.
7. Carefully pour the custard mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring it fully covers the bread to allow it to soak.
8. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, or ideally overnight for the best results.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before removing the strata from the refrigerator.
10. Bake the strata in the preheated oven for approximately 70-80 minutes until it is puffed up, set in the center, and golden on top.
11. Once baked, let the strata sit for a few minutes before serving to help the layers set and make slicing easier.
Notes
1. Make your strata customizable to meet dietary needs with gluten-free, vegan, or low-calorie ingredient swaps.
2. Use slightly stale or toasted bread for better texture and flavor absorption in your strata.
3. Plan ahead by preparing your strata the night before for stress-free baking in the morning.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American