This Strata Recipe is my absolute go-to for leisurely brunches or cozy family gatherings. Imagine layers of crusty bread, vibrant vegetables, melty cheese, and savory sausage or ham, all soaked in a custardy egg mixture and baked until gloriously golden. It’s both hearty and adaptable, loaded with flavor from the simplest ingredients. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a holiday morning or just want to savor something comforting and homemade, this Strata Recipe makes breakfast feel truly special and effortless, every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I love how the ingredients in this Strata Recipe work together to create something so much greater than the sum of its parts. These everyday staples each add texture, color, and flavor, resulting in a casserole that feels both classic and festive.
- Bread: Day-old French or sourdough bread brings substance and soaks up the rich custard perfectly. Avoid super fresh or soft bread—it can turn soggy!
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the veggies, it adds a subtle warmth and helps them caramelize gently.
- Onion: Diced onion lays down a sweet, aromatic base for the filling—don’t skip it!
- Red bell pepper: This veggie adds a lively pop of color and mild sweetness.
- Fresh spinach: Chopped spinach wilts quickly, infusing the strata with earthy flavor and gorgeous green flecks.
- Cooked breakfast sausage or ham (optional): For a meaty, satisfying punch, add your favorite breakfast sausage or ham—but it’s just as good vegetarian-style.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: That melty, cheesy layer makes every bite irresistible and slightly sharp.
- Large eggs: Eggs form the creamy custard that holds everything together—think quiche meets bread pudding!
- Whole milk: For a rich, custardy texture and balanced flavor, whole milk is key.
- Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon, but it brightens the eggs and cheese with a gentle hit of tang.
- Garlic powder: A classic seasoning that amplifies the savory notes without overwhelming.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of each ingredient.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and rounds out the egg mixture.
- Butter or nonstick spray: A greased dish ensures your strata releases beautifully and gives it a subtle richness on the edges.
How to Make Strata Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Start by generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This single, simple step makes a huge difference for an easy release after baking and adds just the right amount of decadent crispiness on the edges.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat up the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and red bell pepper, stirring occasionally, until they’re nice and soft—about five minutes is perfect. Throw in the chopped spinach and cook just until wilted. Not only does this soften the veggies (making them blend seamlessly into the strata), but it also draws out all their flavor and color.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Aim for a smooth, unified mixture—this is the heart of our Strata Recipe and what gives every bite its custardy, luxurious texture.
Step 4: Layer the Strata
Let the layering fun begin! In your prepared dish, arrange half the bread cubes for a sturdy base. Add half of the sautéed veggie mixture, half the sausage or ham (if using), and half the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Layering like this ensures every forkful gets a bit of everything, from bread to veggies to gooey cheese.
Step 5: Pour and Soak
Carefully pour the egg custard evenly over the entire dish, pressing the bread cubes down gently so they absorb the liquid. This soaking time is crucial—let the flavors mingle and the bread drink up all that goodness. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight if planning ahead. This step is what sets a perfect Strata Recipe apart!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Uncover the strata and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is crispy and golden. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before cutting in—this short wait makes serving and slicing much easier, allowing the strata to set up beautifully.
How to Serve Strata Recipe
Garnishes
Bring even more color and vibrancy to your Strata Recipe by scattering fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top. A quick sprinkle of extra cheese or a few dashes of hot sauce can wow the crowd and take the flavor to the next level. If you’re feeling fancy, a few paper-thin slices of radish or small dollops of sour cream are beautiful and delicious embellishments.
Side Dishes
Strata Recipe loves a simple supporting cast—think fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a tangy arugula salad dressed with lemon. If it’s brunch, warm pastries or roasted potatoes turn the meal into a true spread. For lunch, serve with a light soup for a cozy, satisfying pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Strata doesn’t have to be just a rectangle in a pan! Try baking individual portions in large muffin tins or ramekins for personalized servings. For holidays, use festive toppings or mini cookie cutters to shape veggie garnishes. Serving buffet-style? Set out a toppings bar with hot sauce, sliced avocado, and extra cheese so everyone can dress their own slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftover Strata Recipe (it disappears quickly at my house!), simply let the dish cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer slices to airtight containers. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and makes an easy, reheatable breakfast on busy mornings.
Freezing
Yes, Strata freezes like a dream! Wrap the baked (and fully cooled) casserole or individual slices well in foil and place in a freezer bag. It will keep fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat slices of Strata Recipe in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also zap single servings in the microwave, but a quick trip in the oven restores that lovely crispy top and keeps the texture spot on.
FAQs
Can I make this Strata Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the sausage or ham and feel free to load up on extra veggies such as mushrooms, tomatoes, or even a handful of cooked broccoli. It’s every bit as flavorful and satisfying without the meat.
What’s the best type Breakfast
Sturdy, rustic breads like French or sourdough are ideal because they hold up to the custard without going mushy. Avoid super soft sandwich breads, which don’t offer the chewy texture we want in this Strata Recipe.
Do I really need to let it soak overnight?
While 2 hours is the minimum for good soaking, overnight is best for deep flavor and the dreamiest texture. If you’re tight on time, even a short rest is better than none, but don’t skip soaking entirely.
How can I customize the flavors?
This Strata Recipe is made for personal twists! Try swapping in other cheeses (like Swiss or Monterey Jack), changing up the veggies, or even adding herbs like thyme or basil to suit your family’s tastes. It’s so versatile.
Is this dish good for feeding a crowd?
Definitely! This Strata Recipe makes eight hearty servings, and can easily be doubled for a bigger group. Plus, since it needs to chill beforehand, you can do all the work in advance and just bake it fresh the next day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s both comforting and effortlessly impressive, you’ll love this Strata Recipe. It’s endlessly adaptable and perfect for those memorable mornings when you want to gather around the table and savor something made with love. Give it a try—you may just find yourself making it for every celebration, big or small!
Print
Strata Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This flavorful Strata Recipe is a delicious make-ahead breakfast casserole filled with bread, veggies, cheese, and eggs. Perfect for brunch or holiday mornings!
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread (such as French or sourdough)
Veggie Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
Additional:
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or chopped ham (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- butter or nonstick spray for greasing
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sauté onion and pepper, add spinach, and cool.
- Prepare the Layers: In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Layer bread, veggies, meat, and cheese in the baking dish. Repeat layers.
- Soak and Chill: Pour egg mixture over layers, press bread gently, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes until set and golden. Rest before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for make-ahead brunches or holiday mornings.
- You can customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheeses.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
