🛒 Ingredients
- 🍞 6 slices of day-old bread, cubed (sourdough, whole grain, or white)
- 🥚 6 large eggs
- 🥛 2 cups milk (whole, skim, or plant-based)
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt
- 🌶️ 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella)
- 🥓 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage, crumbled (optional)
- 🌿 1/2 cup chopped spinach or kale
- 🧅 1/4 cup diced onion
- 🌶️ 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Base:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sauté the Veggies:
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. If using spinach or kale, stir it in during the last minute of cooking. Remove from heat.
- Mix the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Strata:
- Sprinkle the cooked veggies and optional bacon or sausage over the bread cubes. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Top with shredded cheese.
- Refrigerate Overnight:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Bake the Strata:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the strata from the fridge and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set.
- Serve:
- Let the strata cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🥦 Add Veggies: Include roasted broccoli or zucchini for extra nutrients.
- 🧄 Garlic Flavor: Add minced garlic to the sautéed veggies for a savory kick.
- 🥑 Creamy Topping: Serve with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream.
- 🌶️ Spicy Option: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Pair this strata with a fresh fruit salad and a cup of coffee or tea for a complete brunch spread.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Savory Breakfast Strata is the ultimate make-ahead dish, perfect for feeding a crowd. With its combination of eggs, bread, cheese, and veggies, it’s hearty, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether for a holiday gathering or a lazy weekend brunch, this strata guarantees a delicious start to the day.
