Strata Recipe

freshly baked strata cut into pieces in a white casserole dish.

5 from 2 votes

This Strata is a cozy, comforting dish perfect for any meal. It starts with cubes of soft challah bread, layered with sweet onions, crisp red bell peppers, and fresh, leafy spinach. The layers are sprinkled with rich, nutty Gruyere cheese, adding a wonderful depth of flavor. Everything is soaked in a simple, savory custard made from eggs and milk, seasoned just right with salt, pepper, and a hint of ground mustard. Once baked, it transforms into a golden, bubbly delight with a creamy, custardy inside and a toasty, crispy top.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Rest Time40

Total Time1 30

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: strata, strata recipe

Servings:

Calories: 294kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

9x13-inch Casserole Dish

Ingredients

4 cups challah bread cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion chopped
1 medium red bell pepper chopped
2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
1½ cup Gruyere cheese grated
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground mustard

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the spinach to the skillet, and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
In the prepared baking dish, create a layer of challah bread cubes. Scatter the cooked vegetable mixture and grated cheese evenly over the bread.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, ground mustard. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and vegetables, ensuring that all the bread is covered.
Press down gently on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the egg mixture. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the bread to fully soak up the liquid.
Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.
Remove from the oven and let the strata rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Bread Choice: Challah bread works great for this recipe due to its rich, slightly sweet flavor and soft texture. However, you can also use other types of bread like brioche or a sturdy sourdough for a different twist.
Make-Ahead Tips: Assemble the strata the night before and refrigerate it. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive dish. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
Adding Meat: For a non-vegetarian version, consider adding cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, or diced ham to the layers.

Nutrition