Description
Make a delicious Breakfast Strata with layers of eggs, cheese, and savory fillings. Perfect for brunch or a make-ahead meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, or ham (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or cream for a richer texture)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Start by cubing the bread into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh bread, lightly toast it in the oven to dry it out. Arrange the bread cubes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, covering the bottom evenly.
- Prepare the filling: If you’re adding meat, cook the bacon, sausage, or ham in a skillet until crispy and golden brown. Set it aside to cool and crumble. If using vegetables, sauté them in a little olive oil or butter until tender.
- Mix the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, mustard powder, and dried herbs. Once well-combined, pour the mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Press the bread down gently with a spatula to ensure it soaks up the liquid.
- Add the fillings: Scatter the cooked meat, vegetables, and cheese over the bread and egg mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spoon to ensure an even distribution.
- Let it rest: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results. This allows the bread to absorb the custard mixture fully.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the strata for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil and continue baking until cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Let the strata cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for an added burst of freshness.