Description
This flavorful Strata is a savory layered casserole featuring challah bread, sautéed vegetables, Gruyère cheese, and a rich custard of eggs and milk. Perfect for brunch or a comforting breakfast, it’s baked to golden perfection with a custardy interior and crispy crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 4 cups challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese
Custard
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper and cook until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it is wilted, then remove from heat.
- Layer Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, arrange half of the challah bread cubes as the first layer. Spread the sautéed vegetable mixture evenly over the bread, then sprinkle half of the grated Gruyère cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, vegetables, and cheese.
- Whisk Eggs and Pour: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and ground mustard until well combined. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, pressing down gently to help the bread soak up the liquid.
- Soak and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard. Then, bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the strata rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to firm up and makes serving easier.
Notes
- This strata can be prepared the night before; after assembling and pouring the egg mixture, cover and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- Gruyère cheese can be substituted with Swiss or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Use day-old bread if possible to help absorb the custard better.
- If you want to add more protein, consider including cooked sausage or bacon in the layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
