This Italian Breakfast Strata is a comforting baked dish filled with layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and delicious veggies. It’s perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast!
Imagine waking up to the smell of cheesy goodness! I love making this the night before and just popping it in the oven in the morning—easy peasy and oh so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cubed Crusty Bread: Ciabatta or Italian bread works best due to their sturdy texture. If you’re in a pinch, any bread can do, including baguette or sourdough. Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, so it’s great to use leftovers!
Italian Sausage: This adds a nice savory flavor, but you can skip it for a vegetarian version or substitute with cooked turkey sausage. Or, use sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, meatless option.
Cheese: Mozzarella and provolone provide great flavor and creaminess. Feel free to mix in your favorites—like cheddar or Gruyère—for a different twist.
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach is lovely, but if you can’t find any, you can use frozen and thawed spinach, just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Bacon: Bacon adds a nice crunch. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using turkey bacon or crumbled feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Ensure My Strata is Well Flavored and Moist?
The key to a delicious and moist Italian Breakfast Strata lies in allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture. Here’s a helpful method:
- Mix the egg, milk, herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well-combined.
- Layer the bread and toppings in the baking dish as directed, pressing down after pouring the egg mixture over the top.
- Chill the strata for at least an hour or overnight. This soaking time is crucial for flavor and moisture—don’t skip it!
Before baking, let the dish sit at room temperature to prevent sudden temperature changes, which could affect how evenly it cooks. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Italian Breakfast Strata
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 8 cups cubed crusty bread (such as ciabatta or Italian bread), preferably slightly stale
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled (optional)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
Cheeses:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Seasonings:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking Essentials:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter (for sautéing)
- Fresh basil leaves or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge (or overnight for the best flavor). Baking will take about 50-55 minutes, so you can have a delicious breakfast ready in about 2 hours, making it perfect for weekends or special occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing Your Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish (or something similar) and grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Sautéing the Veggies:
In a skillet over medium heat, add your olive oil or butter. When hot, throw in the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool a bit.
3. Mixing the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper until it’s all combined and smooth.
4. Layering the Ingredients:
In your greased baking dish, start by spreading half of the cubed bread evenly on the bottom. Then, add half of the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the bread.
5. Adding the Meats and Veggies:
Next, sprinkle half of the cooked Italian sausage (if you’re using it), bacon crumbles, chopped spinach, and the cheeses (mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan) over this layer of bread.
6. Finishing Layers:
Now, add the remaining bread cubes on top. Layer with the rest of the onion and garlic mixture, sausage, bacon, spinach, and cheeses. Make it look delicious!
7. Pouring the Egg Mixture:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over all the layers in the dish, gently pressing down with a spatula to help the bread soak up all that yummy goodness.
8. Time to Chill:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you can wait. This soaking time helps the bread absorb the egg and flavors.
9. Baking the Strata:
When you are ready to bake, take the dish out of the fridge and let it warm up at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then, bake it covered for 35 minutes. Remove the foil, and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg is cooked through in the center.
10. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, take the strata out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, slice into squares and serve warm. If you like, garnish with fresh basil or parsley to brighten it up!
Enjoy your hearty, flavorful Italian Breakfast Strata—a wonderful mix of cheesy, savory, and fresh ingredients baked to perfection!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While ciabatta or Italian bread work great, you can use any bread you have on hand, such as baguette, sourdough, or even whole grain. Just make sure it’s slightly stale for the best absorption of the egg mixture!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the Italian sausage and bacon. Consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It also tastes great cold!
Is It Necessary to Refrigerate Overnight?
While it’s not strictly necessary, refrigerating overnight allows the bread to soak up more of the egg mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and moist strata. If you’re short on time, chilling for at least 1 hour will still work well!
