How to Make a Classic Breakfast Strata for Lazy Weekends
Lazy weekends are all about relaxation and indulgence. And what better way to start the day than with a delicious, hearty breakfast that doesn’t require you to be up at the crack of dawn? Enter the breakfast strata – a simple, make-ahead dish that’s perfect for leisurely mornings. If you haven’t heard of it before, strata is a layered casserole dish, typically made with bread, eggs, cheese, and sometimes meat or vegetables. It’s like a savory bread pudding, and it’s absolutely divine. Here’s a straightforward recipe to make a classic breakfast strata that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (such as French, Italian, or challah), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk (whole or 2% work best)
- 1 cup of heavy cream (for that indulgent touch, but you can use more milk as a substitute)
- 2 cups of shredded cheese (Cheddar, Swiss, or any mix you prefer)
- 1 cup of cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage (optional; you can also use cooked bacon or ham)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
- Optional: chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms; fresh herbs for garnish
Step-by-step Instructions:
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Prep Your Ingredients: The night before, prep your ingredients. This means cutting the bread into cubes, cooking and crumbling your choice of meat, chopping your vegetables, and grating the cheese if it’s not pre-shredded. The idea is to have everything ready to assemble in the morning.
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Assemble the Strata: In a buttered baking dish (about 9×13 inches), start by laying half of the bread cubes evenly on the bottom. Then, sprinkle over half of your cooked sausage (or other meat), onions, vegetables (if using), and cheese. Repeat these layers once more, ending with a layer of cheese on top. This layering is what gives the strata its name and makes for a beautiful presentation when served.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and heavy cream until well combined. Season generously with salt and pepper. This mixture is what will bind all your ingredients together into a delicious, custard-like texture once baked.
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Combine and Refrigerate: Gently pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in your baking dish. Press down lightly with a spatula to make sure the bread absorbs the liquid evenly. Now, cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This step allows the bread to soak up all the flavors and makes for a more cohesive dish.
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Bake: In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the strata out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while the oven heats up. Bake, uncovered, for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden and crisp, and the center is set. If you’re unsure, stick a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
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Serve and Enjoy: Let the strata rest for a few minutes out of the oven before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with minimal morning effort.
Tips for Success:
- Bread Choice: Using day-old bread helps absorb the egg mixture better. Soft, fresh bread might result in a soggy strata, which is not what you want.
- Personalize It: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. The strata is a very forgiving dish, making it perfect for experimenting.
- Leftovers: If by some miracle you have leftovers, they reheat beautifully in the microwave or in the oven.
A classic breakfast strata is the perfect solution for lazy weekend mornings when you want something special without the fuss. By doing the prep work the night before, you can enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that feels gourmet with little-to-no morning effort. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress your family or guests. So why not give it a try this weekend? Your taste buds will thank you.
