Make Ahead Cheese Strata
Perfect for lazy mornings or a crowd-pleasing brunch, this Make Ahead Cheese Strata is the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. Crafted with layers of day-old bread, a medley of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and an indulgent egg custard flavored with Dijon mustard and a hint of nutmeg, this dish bakes to golden, bubbly perfection. Customize it with optional vegetables or savory proteins like bacon or ham for a personalized twist. Designed for convenience, this strata can be prepped the night before, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the creamy mixture. Simply bake it the next day for a stress-free, hearty meal that's ideal for serving a hungry crowd. Whether for a weekend brunch, special occasion, or holiday breakfast, this adaptable and make-ahead dish is destined to become a staple.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing baking dish
- 1 cup optional diced vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, spinach, onions)
- 1 cup optional cooked protein (e.g., crumbled bacon, sausage, or ham)
Instructions
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with the butter.
Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the bread.
If using optional vegetables or proteins, evenly distribute half over the cheese layer.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining bread, cheese, and optional add-ins.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until fully combined.
Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and cheese layers in the baking dish, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Bake the strata uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set (a knife inserted into the middle should come out clean).
Let the strata cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1013 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.4 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.0 g | 85% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 257 mg | 86% | |
| Sodium | 1991 mg | 87% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 127.6 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.3 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.4 g | ||
| Protein | 45.1 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.2 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 561 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 534 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
