Overnight Breakfast Casserole
No one wants to wake up an hour early on a holiday weekend to chop and prepare breakfast. However, most of us would agree, a rich comforting breakfast makes every occasion seem special! That’s why I love overnight breakfast casseroles. These easy breakfast bakes are meant to be assembled the night before a holiday or event. I always make an overnight casserole for special occasions like:
Christmas Valentine’s Day Easter Kid’s slumber parties When friends or family come in town
That way, I can sleep a little longer, pop the casserole dish in the oven, and casually sip my coffee as it bakes.
Strata Recipe… The Ultimate Breakfast Bake
There are all sorts of sweet and savory breakfast casseroles you can make ahead and bake in the morning. (We’ve listed links to our favorites below!) Yet a classic Strata Recipe is my personal favorite breakfast bake. Why?
I generally prefer savory over sweet breakfasts. Stratas are SO quick to put together. They look extremely appealing with their crisp golden craggy top. You can put almost anything you like in a Strata. And best of all, the pillowy texture of each bite is ridiculously divine!
The crusty top and tender airy interior are created by adding one single ingredient… Bread. Bread is used as a spongy base to absorb the eggs and dairy. When the Strata bakes, the bread stabilizes the eggs so they can rise into a souffle-like casserole that toasts brilliantly on the top. A strata is truly a thing of beauty!
Overnight Strata
You’re wondering… Does a Strata Recipe have to set overnight? If you want to make one for dinner, do you have to start it in the morning?
HOW LONG DOES A STRATA NEED TO SOAK?
You do need to allow some time for the bread to soak up the eggs. The bread should be fully saturated with liquid. This is faster when the bread is fresh. However, if you are repurposing a day-old (stale) loaf of bread, that is perfectly fine, but the Strata will need longer to soak. Generally, you should allow the Strata to rest for at least one hour before baking. But, of course, it can rest for up to 18 hours, so it’s the perfect overnight breakfast casserole to make the night before a big family event!
What Is Strata Made Of?
This savory bread pudding must have these 5 ingredients: Eggs, milk, bread, and salt. However, to make an ultra-luxurious and flavor-packed Strata Breakfast Bake we’ve included a few more things in our recipe:
Eggs Milk Sharp Cheddar Cheese Smoked Gouda Cheese Deli Ham Scallions Roasted Red Peppers Ground Mustard Garlic Powder French Bread
The blend of these two cheeses creates an intriguing richness that is balanced by the zesty notes of the scallions and roasted red peppers. The ham can be swapped for cooked bacon or sausage, or omitted for a vegetarian strata recipe.
How To Make Breakfast Strata
It’s so easy, guys. You simply mix, fold, chill, and bake!
Breakfast Strata Swaps & Add-Ins
Of course, I’m sharing my favorite Strata variation. I feel these ingredients together produce a lovely balance of savory richness and perky notes. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite add-ins. Here are some ideas…
What is the Difference Between a Frittata and a Strata?
These two egg recipes are actually quite different. A Frittata is an Italian-style omelet that is started on the stovetop and usually finished in the oven. The eggs are vigorously swirled around the pan to form an eggy crust on the bottom, before the fillings are added in. A Strata is a slow-baked egg casserole that always includes bread to stabilize the eggs as they bake. Frittatas are usually thin and dense, while a Strata is tall and fluffy.
What Do You Serve with Strata?
For brunch, a Strata can be served with…
Light Chopped Salad Tropical Fruit Salad Fluffy Biscuits Scones
For breakfast, a side of fresh-cut fruit and a fun beverage will do! We love…
Hawaiian POG Agua Fresca Simple Strawberry Smoothies Jugo Verde Milk & Cereal Smoothies
What is a strata?
You may have never even heard of a strata before. Basically, a strata is an American casserole dish, which most commonly is a breakfast casserole.
How well does this recipe last?
This Strata Recipe makes a marvelous leftover meal! Once baked, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also wrap and freeze this overnight breakfast casserole for up to 3 months. Then thaw and reheat.
Can I use any other bread besides French bread?
Yes, any bread type will work with this ham and cheese strata recipe. You could even use a gluten free loaf if that is what your dietary restrictions allow!
Can I make a vegetarian strata?
Definitely! To make a vegetarian strata, you can simply leave out the ham in this recipe. Feel free to add any additional ingredients such as spinach or mushrooms!
More Breakfast Recipes You Can Make-Ahead
Better Than Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls Tiramisu French Toast Bake Spinach Artichoke Egg Casserole Greek Omelette Casserole Arnold Palmer Sweet Rolls Raspberry Sticky Buns 5-Ingredient Baked Omelet
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