How to Make a Breakfast Strata
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5
How to Make a Breakfast Strata
Description
How to Make a Breakfast Strata blends slightly dried bread cubes with sautéed cremini mushrooms and a combination of Havarti and Brie cheeses. The bread absorbs a seasoned mix of eggs, milk, half-and-half, and spices including dry mustard and thyme. This mixture sits refrigerated to allow flavors to meld before baking covered to create a custard that is creamy inside with a firm top. The Brie cubes add pockets of creamy softness contrasting with the melted Havarti. This strata offers a layered texture from tender bread, melted cheese, and cooked vegetables.
The inclusion of thyme and garlic imparts subtle aromatic notes, balancing the creamy, cheesy richness. Baking covered and then uncovered ensures the interior fully sets without drying the top while melting additional cheese enhances flavor and appearance. It can be served as a hearty breakfast or brunch dish alongside fruits or a light salad.
This recipe allows flexible additions; vegetables should be cooked to tender crisp, and meats must be cooked and drained before adding. Doubling the recipe for larger pans extends its suitability for group meals with adjusted baking times.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms or 1 ½ cups vegetables of your choice, asparagus is another favorite
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon thyme or ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme leaves, fresh leaves
- 6 cups bread cubes slightly dried
- 1 cup havarti cheese or mozzarella, shredded
- 4 ounces Brie cheese cubed
Egg Mixture
- 4 egg
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- ½ cup half and half or light cream
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cook mushrooms and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until tender. Set aside to cool.
- Whisk the egg mixture in a large bowl. Season with salt & pepper. Add bread and toss to combine. Let sit 5 minutes and toss again until the liquid is absorbed. Stir in mushrooms, brie and ½ of the Havarti cheese.
- Add the mixture to a greased 2 qt baking dish (or 9x9 pan). Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes. Uncover, top with remaining cheese and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until set in the middle.
- Rest 10 minutes before cutting.
Notes
- Vegetables added to the strata should be cooked just until tender-crisp to avoid excess moisture.
- Meats used as mix-ins must be cooked thoroughly and drained well to prevent sogginess.
- This recipe can be doubled and baked in a 9x13-inch pan; increase baking time accordingly to ensure setting.
- Baking covered then uncovered allows the strata to cook evenly and develop a nice cheese topping.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 343 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1piece | |
| Calories | 343 | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 132mg | 44% |
| Sodium | 728mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 342mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 593IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 334mg | 33% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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