Bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, this Tomato Basil Strata is the perfect make-ahead dish for brunches, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner. Layers of crusty bread, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a luscious custard made with eggs, milk, and cream come together for a savory, cheesy masterpiece. With a golden, crisp topping of mozzarella and Parmesan, this baked casserole is as comforting as it is elegant. Packed with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and ready in just an hour, this dish is ideal for serving up to six people. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy a warm, hearty slice alongside a simple green salad for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. Toss gently to mix.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Drizzle the egg mixture evenly over the bread and tomato mixture. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then fold gently to ensure everything is coated and the cheese is evenly distributed.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Press down slightly with the back of a spatula to help the bread soak up the custard mixture.
Let the strata sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
Remove the strata from the oven and let it cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
Calories |
5867 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 168.5 g | 216% | |
| Saturated Fat | 79.1 g | 395% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1455 mg | 485% | |
| Sodium | 12301 mg | 535% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 786.4 g | 286% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.2 g | 119% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.9 g | ||
| Protein | 246.2 g | 492% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.5 mcg | 58% | |
| Calcium | 2814 mg | 216% | |
| Iron | 43.2 mg | 240% | |
| Potassium | 3659 mg | 78% | |
*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.