Start the Day out Right with this Filling Dish

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Cheese strata is a filling, ingredient-stretching, and cost-effective meal for breakfast or brunch.
The basic cheese strata recipe has been around longer than most of us have been alive because of its ingredient-stretching and low-cost qualities. Plus, with having to assemble the strata the night before, breakfast or brunch becomes a no-fuss experience. This recipe will be a special hit, particularly when you have guests in the house.

 

Step 1:

You will need:

  • 9-inch baking dish

  • Medium-sized bowl

Step 2:

Ingredients:

  • 8 slices of white bread, can be slightly stale

  • 1 8-oz package cheddar cheese, which is about 2 cups shredded cheese

  • 4 eggs

  • 2 ½ cups milk, or 1 ¼ cups buttermilk and 1 ¼ cups half 'n half for a richer flavor

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step 3:

Preparation the night before:

  • Trim crusts from 5 pieces of bread, then cut pieces diagonally.

  • Use remaining 3 slices and trimmings to cover bottom of baking dish, making a single layer.

  • Spread shredded cheese over bottom layer.

  • Beat eggs in bowl.

  • Blend in milk, salt and pepper.

  • Pour over bread.

  • Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Step 4:

In the morning:

  • Remove from refrigerator and uncover.

  • Let the casserole dish warm on the counter for about half an hour.

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F during this time.

  • Bake for 1 hour, or until a knife inserted at center comes out clean.

  • Remove from oven and let stand for about 5 minutes.

Serving suggestions:

  • Sprinkle top with chopped parsley before serving.
  • Sliced tomatoes on the side.
  • Fresh fruit or a compote.
  • And, mimosas, to tickle your taste buds with orange juice and champagne!

Variations to basic recipe:

  • Add meat, such as sliced ham or turkey, cooked sausage or bacon pieces, and prosciutto slices. Add on top of cheese layer.
  • Add vegetables, such as steamed broccoli or asparagus, cooked spinach, sauteed mushrooms or onions, and green chiles. Add on top of cheese layer.
  • Substitute cheeses. Feta cheese, Swiss chard, Fontina, or Gruyere are just a few choices that can be used. Or use half yellow cheddar and half white cheddar.

Just remember, make the strata the night before, refrigerate, and then enjoy the convenience the next day!

 

Comments

This sure sounds mouth-wateringly delicious. Somewhat a salt-meat-and-veggie version of the Asian dessert "Shahi Tukray".

Sadaf Farooqi's picture
By Sadaf Farooqi 1 week 6 days