Looking for a delightful way to transform your holiday leftovers into a scrumptious dish that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this mouthwatering Turkey and Cranberry Strata! This American classic combines the savory goodness of shredded turkey with the sweet tang of cranberry sauce, all enveloped in a rich, custardy bread base. Perfect for brunch, a cozy dinner, or even a festive gathering, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a unique twist on traditional flavors. Dive into our step-by-step guide and discover how to create this delicious strata 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 cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Layer half of the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base.
- Distribute the shredded cooked turkey evenly over the bread layer, ensuring consistent coverage.
- Dollop and spread the cranberry sauce across the turkey layer, creating small pockets of fruity flavor throughout.
- Top the turkey and cranberry layer with the remaining cubed bread, creating a complete second layer.
- Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture over the entire dish, making sure it seeps into all the bread cubes and fills the spaces between ingredients.
- Let the strata sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture thoroughly.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the strata to firm up.
- Slice into portions and serve warm, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use slightly stale bread. Day-old bread absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a creamier strata.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like sautéed vegetables, cheese, or different types of meat to tailor the strata to your taste.
- Let It Soak: Don’t rush the soaking process! Allowing the strata to sit for 10-15 minutes after pouring the egg mixture over it ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your strata as it bakes. It’s ready when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Garnish for Presentation: Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm, so plan to serve it straight from the oven for the ultimate experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 180mg
