If you want a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish, try making a Vegetable Strata. This savory casserole combines layers of fresh vegetables, bread, and cheese, all bound together with a rich egg mixture. Perfect for feeding a crowd or for a make-ahead meal, this Vegetable Strata is both nutritious and satisfying.
Tips to Make the Vegetable Strata Recipe:
1. Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best for this recipe as it absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful strata.
2. Pre-Cook Vegetables: For optimal flavor and texture, lightly sauté vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach before layering them in the strata. This helps remove excess moisture, preventing the dish from becoming soggy.
3. Use a Variety of Cheeses: Mix different types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Swiss to enhance the flavor profile of your strata. Pre-shredded cheese is a time-saver and works well.
4. Prepare in Advance: Assemble the strata the night before and refrigerate it. This allows the bread to fully soak up the egg mixture, making for a more flavorful and cohesive dish. Just bake it in the morning before serving.
5. Season Well: Don’t forget to season the egg mixture with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like parsley or thyme. It adds a burst of flavor to the finished dish.
How to Make Vegetable Strata Recipe?
Vegetable Strata Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish For baking the strata
- 1 Large mixing bowl For preparing the custard and mixing ingredients
- 1 Skillet For sautéing vegetables
Ingredients
- 8 cups Bread cubes Day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup Chopped bell peppers Mixed colors
- 1 cup Chopped spinach Fresh
- 1 cup Chopped mushrooms
- 1 cup Grated cheese Cheddar or a mix
- 6 Large eggs
- 2 cups Milk Whole or 2%
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, sauté the bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms until they're tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes, then half of the sautéed vegetables, and half of the grated cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, vegetables, and cheese.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered bread and vegetables. Lightly press down on the top to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for a make-ahead option.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the strata is puffed up and golden brown on top and the center is set.
- Let the strata cool for a few minutes before serving.
