Egg Strata
Welcome to your guide on making a classic egg strata. It’s a versatile and tasty breakfast casserole great for any event. It’s perfect for brunch, feeding a crowd, or a delicious make-ahead meal. This egg strata recipe will soon be a favorite in your home.
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish 9x13 inches or similar size
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Knife and cutting board (for chopping ingredients)
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Greased baking dish (can use butter or cooking spray)
- 1 Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while chilling)
Ingredients
- 7 cups Bread cubed (sourdough, brioche, or French bread are ideal)
- 10 Eggs large eggs
- 3 cups Milk whole milk or a mix with cream for richness
- 3 cups Cheese cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix of your favorites
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs thyme, parsley, or chives
- Meats Cooked bacon, sausage, ham, or prosciutto
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Base: Arrange the bread cubes evenly in a greased baking dish. The bread should form a uniform layer across the base.
- Mix the Egg Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Ensure the mixture is well combined.
- Assemble the Strata: Pour the egg custard over the bread, pressing the bread gently so it soaks up the liquid. Add your choice of cooked meats, veggies, and cheese.
- Rest the Strata: Cover the baking dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. This step allows the bread to absorb the eggmixture and develop flavors.
- Bake the Strata: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the strata for 40-50 minutes until golden brown and the center is set. Optionally, cover the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let the egg strata rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with bacon, sausage, or a side salad.
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.