Description
Breakfast Strata is a savory baked egg casserole layered with bread, cheese, and a variety of mix-ins like vegetables or meats. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for brunches, holidays, or meal prep, offering a hearty and flavorful start to the day.
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread (French or sourdough), cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or a blend)
- 1–2 cups cooked vegetables (e.g., spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butter or oil, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
- Spread cubed bread evenly in the dish.
- Top with cooked meat and/or sautéed vegetables, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and optional Dijon mustard or garlic powder.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and toppings. Press down lightly to soak the bread.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use hearty, stale bread for best texture and to prevent sogginess.Chill overnight for optimal flavor and structure.Customize with different cheeses, meats, or vegetables.Reheats well for breakfast meal prep throughout the week.Freeze baked strata for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 215mg