Vegetable-Cheese Strata: A Delightful Breakfast Casserole
Overview
Embark on a culinary journey with this Vegetable-Cheese Strata, a versatile casserole that transcends the traditional breakfast table, perfect for brunches or any time you desire a hearty, satisfying dish. With the convenience of overnight preparation, you can have a delectable breakfast ready to pop into the oven, allowing you to savor leisurely mornings without the stress of cooking. Each bite of this strata is a delightful combination of fresh vegetables and rich cheeses, creating a comforting dish that’s sure to please a crowd.
Cooking Details
| Cook Time | 1 hour 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 55 minutes |
| Recipe Category | Breakfast |
| Servings | 6 |
| Yield | N/A |
Description
This Vegetable-Cheese Strata is not just a breakfast casserole; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures, with sautéed vegetables layered between bread and a rich custard mixture. Allow the strata to rest in the refrigerator overnight, letting the flavors meld beautifully, ensuring that your morning meal is not only effortless but also bursting with freshness.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 3/4 cup |
| Green onion | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh mushrooms | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Red bell pepper | 1 cup |
| Green bell pepper | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 1/2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 6 large |
| Milk | 1 3/4 cups |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/2 – 1 teaspoon |
| Hot sauce (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bread cubes (preferably day-old) | 4 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 339.7 |
| Total Fat | 24.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 258.5 mg |
| Sodium | 639.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g |
| Sugars | 3.7 g |
| Protein | 20.9 g |
Instructions
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Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped onions and fresh mushrooms to the skillet, sautéing them until they are tender and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Add Bell Peppers: Once the onions and mushrooms have softened, add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir frequently for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to cook down and any liquid to evaporate, creating a rich flavor base.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease an 11×7 inch baking dish with oil or butter to prevent sticking. Evenly distribute 2 1/2 cups of the bread cubes across the bottom of the dish.
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Layer the Vegetables and Cheese: Spoon half of the sautéed mushroom and bell pepper mixture over the bread cubes. Follow this with half of the cheddar cheese and half of the parmesan cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
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Mix the Custard: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce until well blended and smooth. This mixture will be the custard that binds everything together.
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Assemble the Strata: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered strata in the baking dish, ensuring all the bread cubes are soaked with the custard. Use a spatula to gently press down any dry bread that may be sticking out.
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Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the strata to sit for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard.
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Preheat and Bake: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the strata from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats. This step helps ensure even cooking.
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Bake to Perfection: Uncover the strata and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the strata is set and a beautiful golden color has developed on top. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the strata from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm, either as is or with a light salad for a more substantial brunch.
Conclusion
This Vegetable-Cheese Strata is the epitome of comfort food, seamlessly combining wholesome ingredients into a dish that satisfies and delights. Its preparation is not only straightforward but also lends itself well to customization—feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or cheeses based on seasonal availability or personal preference. Whether enjoyed as a leisurely weekend breakfast or a quick weeknight dinner, this strata promises to become a cherished recipe in your collection, perfect for gatherings or quiet mornings alike.
