If you are looking for a hearty and delicious meal that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this Spinach and Cheese Strata is the perfect choice. Packed with nutritious spinach, flavorful cheese, and savory bread, this dish is both satisfying and simple to prepare. It’s an excellent option for a family meal or to impress guests during a brunch gathering.
Tips to make the Spinach and Cheese Strata recipe:
1. Use Stale Bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best for this recipe. The bread will soak up the egg mixture more effectively, resulting in a better texture. If you don’t have stale bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread cubes before using them.
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2. Pre-Wilt the Spinach: To save time and ensure the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the strata, wilt the spinach in a hot pan before adding it to the dish. This helps reduce excess moisture and intensifies the flavor.
3. Mix Cheese Types: For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese can save time, but freshly grated cheese will enhance the dish’s taste.
4. Prep Ahead: You can assemble the strata the night before and refrigerate it. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, making the dish even more flavorful. Just bake it in the oven the next morning for a convenient, ready-to-eat meal.
How to Make Spinach and Cheese Strata Recipe?
Spinach and Cheese Strata Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9x13 baking dish For baking the strata
- 1 Large mixing bowl For mixing the custard
Ingredients
- 8 slices Bread Preferably day-old; cut into cubes
- 1 lb Fresh spinach Blanched, drained, and chopped
- 2 cups Shredded cheese Cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix
- 6 large Eggs
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg Optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Arrange the cubed bread in the baking dish. Top evenly with the blanched spinach and shredded cheese.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, spinach, and cheese layers in the baking dish.
- Let the mixture sit for at least 20 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the custard. You can also cover and refrigerate it overnight.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
The Spinach and Cheese Strata Recipe is a wonderful dish that is both delicious and easy to make. It combines the rich flavors of cheese with the healthy goodness of spinach, all soaked into soft bread. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a simple dinner.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll find that this strata is a joy to prepare. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it convenient for busy days. Give it a try and enjoy this tasty and nutritious meal with your family and friends.
