Strata is a delicious and versatile dish made with layers of bread, cheese, and various other ingredients such as vegetables or meats. It’s commonly prepared in a large casserole for brunch or breakfast occasions but can be easily adapted to suit any meal. Here’s a basic recipe for a classic Strata:
Ingredients:
– 12 slices of day-old white bread, cut into cubes
– 6 eggs
– 2 cups milk (whole or low-fat)
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tbsp. dried parsley
– 1 tsp. salt
– ¼ tsp. black pepper
– Nonstick cooking spray
Filling options (choose 2 to 3):
– 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
– 2 cups baby spinach leaves
– 16 oz. cooked ham or bacon, cubed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together eggs and milk. Whisk until well combined.
3. Add bread cubes into the egg mixture. Stir gently until all the cubes are moistened. Set aside for at least 15 minutes to allow them to soak up some liquid.
4. In a skillet over medium heat, cook any chosen filling options such as mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, baby spinach leaves, or ham/bacon until they start to soften and release their juices (if using). Set aside.
5. Combine the parsley, salt, and pepper with the bread mixture and mix well. Stir in your preferred filling options.
6. Transfer the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
8. Let it cool slightly before serving, garnishing with some additional grated cheese if desired.
Strata is a perfect dish to enjoy throughout the week as you can easily create several variations by swapping and mixing different ingredients. Just remember to always use day-old bread for the best results!
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