Basic Strata
20m prep 45m cook 1h 5m ready
6 to 8 servings Strata is incredibly versatile. Use ingredients that you have on hand or put leftovers into service. Any vegetables or meat should be cooked before adding to a strata.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups milk or a mixture of milk, half-and-half, heavy cream, and/or yogurt
- 5 large eggs
- Up to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs or 2 teaspoons dried herbs
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- About 6 cups cubed bread, such as French, Italian, sourdough, or sandwich bread
- 1 Up to 3 cups of any of the suggested ingredients in Strata Combinations (opens in new tab)
- 1 2 to 3 cups shredded white Cheddar, crumbled fresh goat cheese, or any of the suggested cheeses in Strata Combinations (8 to 12 ounces) (opens in new tab)
Let's Cook
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Step 1.
For any strata, whisk together in a bowl until blended: 2½ cups milk or a mixture of milk, half-and-half, heavy cream, and/or yogurt; 5 large eggs; Up to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs or 2 teaspoons dried herbs; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Step 2.
Have ready: About 6 cups cubed bread, such as French, Italian, sourdough, or sandwich bread; Up to 3 cups of any of the suggested ingredients in Strata Combinations; 2 to 3 cups shredded white Cheddar, crumbled fresh goat cheese, or any of the suggested cheeses in Strata Combinations (8 to 12 ounces)
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Step 3.
Or make up your own filling out of ingredients you have on hand. Generously grease a 13 × 9-inch baking dish. Scatter half of the bread cubes over the bottom of the dish. Cover with the filling of your choice and all but ½ cup of the cheese. Top with the remaining bread and sprinkle with the reserved cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Press down with a spatula until the egg mixture rises to the top and the bread appears well soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
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Step 4.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake until the strata is puffed and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.
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