How to Make a Breakfast Strata
This Breakfast Strata combines cremini mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and a mix of Havarti and Brie cheeses with bread cubes soaked in an herbed egg and dairy mixture. The dish is assembled ahead and baked until the center sets and the cheese melts into a tender, savory custard. The use of both shredded and cubed cheeses adds varied textures, while the sautéed mushrooms contribute earthiness. After resting, the strata is ready to serve as a rich brunch or breakfast option that can incorporate different vegetables or meats as preferred.
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
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 343
% 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.