Introducing a delightful dish that seamlessly blends the vibrant flavors of asparagus with the creamy richness of cheese, presenting the Asparagus & Cheese Strata! This savory creation is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a convenient addition to your culinary repertoire, perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely gatherings with loved ones.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 4 cups asparagus, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices of bread, cubed (stale bread works wonderfully here)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, but highly recommended for an added burst of freshness)
- 6 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups low-fat milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sour cream, for serving
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 389.6
- Fat Content: 24g
- Saturated Fat Content: 13.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 262.4mg
- Sodium Content: 448.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 22g
- Fiber Content: 2.2g
- Sugar Content: 6.1g
- Protein Content: 22.2g
Instructions:
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Preparation: Begin by greasing a 9-inch square baking dish, ensuring that it’s well coated to prevent any sticking.
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Assemble Bread Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, chopped asparagus, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and the finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if you opt for it. Gently stir the mixture until evenly distributed, ensuring each ingredient is well incorporated.
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Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate small bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Add in the low-fat milk and salt, whisking until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour the egg mixture over the bread and asparagus mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together until the bread is thoroughly coated and has absorbed some of the liquid.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top, ensuring a generous layer for that irresistible cheesy crust.
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Refrigerate: For optimal flavor development and convenience, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This can be done several hours in advance or even overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Preheat Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring it’s nice and hot for that perfect bake.
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Bake: Uncover the baking dish and place it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Slide it into the preheated oven and let it bake until the strata turns a gorgeous golden brown hue and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. This typically takes around 50 to 60 minutes, depending on your oven.
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Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the Asparagus & Cheese Strata from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Cut it into 6 hearty rectangles, each brimming with cheesy goodness. Serve them up with dollops of tangy sour cream on the side, adding a delightful contrast to the richness of the dish.
Culinary Tip:
For added convenience, you can customize this recipe by incorporating other favorite ingredients such as diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of Mediterranean flavor. Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own!
With its irresistible combination of tender asparagus, gooey cheese, and fluffy bread, this Asparagus & Cheese Strata is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner or showcased at a special brunch gathering, it’s bound to impress with its delectable flavors and effortless elegance. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a culinary masterpiece that’s as delightful to make as it is to devour!
