Looking for a delightful dish that will impress your family and friends without keeping you in the kitchen all morning? Say hello to the Make Ahead Spinach and Cheese Strata! This scrumptious, savory breakfast casserole is not only packed with nutritious spinach and gooey cheese, but it also allows you to prep ahead of time—perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. With its golden crust and fluffy interior, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Dive into this recipe to discover how to create a breakfast sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your strata will cook evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 6 cups of cubed bread with the 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach and 1 cup of shredded cheese. If you prefer, you can use either cheddar or mozzarella cheese, or a combination of both for extra flavor.
- In a separate bowl, crack the 6 large eggs and whisk them together. Add the 2 cups of milk to the eggs and mix until well combined. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to taste.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread, spinach, and cheese mixture. Gently stir to ensure that all the bread cubes are soaked in the egg mixture, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. This step allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful strata.
- After the resting period, remove the strata mixture from the refrigerator. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Ensure that the spinach and cheese are distributed throughout the dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Once cooked, remove the strata from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This will help it hold its shape when serving.
- Serve the spinach and cheese strata warm, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish!
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: For the best texture, opt for a hearty bread like sourdough or French bread. Stale bread works wonderfully as it absorbs the egg mixture better.
- Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist.
- Add Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding other veggies such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions. Just sauté them beforehand to enhance their flavor.
- Overnight Soak: Allowing the mixture to refrigerate overnight is key! It gives the bread ample time to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a richer flavor and a more cohesive texture.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your strata is perfectly baked, insert a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, your dish is ready to serve!
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish.
- Leftovers: This strata reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge and simply warm them up for a quick breakfast!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 220mg
