Easy Egg Strata
A strata is like a breakfast casserole. It’s made with eggs, bread, cheese, and other ingredients. The secret to a great strata is letting the bread soak up the egg mixture. This makes the dish rich and creamy.
Equipment
- 1 A large mixing bowl for combining eggs and other ingredients
- 1 A whisk to beat the eggs and milk
- 1 A greased baking dish (a rectangular casserole dish works well)
- 1 Knife and cutting board (for the bread, vegetables, etc.)
- 1 A spatula or spoon to spread and smooth the mixture into the dish
Ingredients
- 8 eggs
- 2 cup milk
- 1 lb asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Bread (preferably day-old) - Amount will depend on the dish size (around 4-5 cups of cubes)
- Salt and pepper To taste
- parsley, chives, dill, dried thyme Herbs or spices of choice
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the bread into cubes and asparagus into 1-inch pieces. Shred the cheese and dice the ham.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices.
- Assemble: In a greased dish, layer the bread cubes. Then, evenly distribute the asparagus and ham. Pour the egg mixture over the top, ensuring the bread is well soaked.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 8 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the strata for 45-60 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to make slicing easier.
Notes
Tips & Variations
Choosing the Right Bread: Opt for rustic bread like a country loaf or a baguette, which can absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy. Soft sandwich bread or brioche are also great options for a sweeter flavor and softer texture.
Uniform Cuts and Sizes: Cut the bread into similar-sized pieces to ensure a consistent texture in every bite.
Resting Time: Let the strata rest for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, before baking. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture and develop a perfect texture.
Adding Vegetables: Enhance the flavor by incorporating vegetables like fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers. Be sure to cook them well before adding them to avoid excess moisture.
Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses such as aged cheddar, Gruyère, or even goat cheese for varying flavors. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a burst of freshness.
Meat Variations: Add crispy bacon, spicy sausages, or ham for a boost of protein and savory flavor.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or spicy cheese like jalapeño cheddar.
Storage & Reheating Storage: You can prepare the strata ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating: Strata reheats easily. To reheat, place slices in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through in the center. Freezing: You can also freeze the strata before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the regular baking instructions.
Storage & Reheating Storage: You can prepare the strata ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating: Strata reheats easily. To reheat, place slices in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through in the center. Freezing: You can also freeze the strata before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the regular baking instructions.