Start your day off right with this mouthwatering breakfast strata recipe. Made with layers of bread, cheese, veggies, and eggs, this classic dish is a crowd pleaser. It's perfect for brunch or a lazy weekend breakfast. With a prep time of just 20 minutes, you can have a wholesome and satisfying meal on the table in no time. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests, this breakfast strata will surely impress.
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cut the bread into cubes and spread half of them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese, diced ham, bell peppers, and onions evenly over the bread.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, cheese, ham, peppers, and onions.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread layers, making sure to evenly coat everything.
- Gently press down on the top of the strata with a spatula to ensure all the ingredients are soaking in the egg mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the flavors.
- When ready to bake, remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove the strata from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Breakfast strata is also known as a breakfast casserole or a savory bread pudding.
You can customize your strata by adding other ingredients like sausage, bacon, spinach, mushrooms, or different types of cheese.
Leftover strata can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd.