Strata
Transform your breakfast game with this rich and comforting strata recipe, a savory bread pudding perfect for brunch gatherings or make-ahead weekday meals. Featuring hearty cubes of day-old bread like sourdough or ciabatta, this dish is elevated with layers of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and crumbled bacon or sausage for a satisfying, cheesy bite. A tender mix of sautéed spinach and caramelized onions adds a touch of freshness, while a creamy custard made with eggs, milk, and a hint of thyme ties it all together. Allow it to rest overnight for deep, harmonious flavors, then bake to golden perfection. Serve this crowd-pleasing strata warm, and pair it with a crisp green salad or fresh fruit for a complete and unforgettable meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old bread (ciabatta, sourdough, or French bread)
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup cooked bacon or sausage (crumbled)
- 2 cups baby spinach (chopped)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them out evenly in the greased baking dish.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and dried thyme until well combined.
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon or sausage, spinach mixture, and shredded cheeses evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
Pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring all the bread cubes are soaked. Lightly press the bread down with a spatula to help absorb the liquid.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the egg mixture.
When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake the strata in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Let the strata rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious, savory breakfast strata!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1233 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.1 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.0 g | 125% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 294 mg | 98% | |
| Sodium | 2493 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 134.6 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.4 g | ||
| Protein | 51.7 g | 103% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 777 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 9.4 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 606 mg | 13% | |
*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.
