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Vegetable-Cheese Strata

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Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread (whole wheat or white bread, crusts removed if desired)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness to the strata. They also bind the bread and vegetables together, creating a firm but tender casserole.
  • Vegetables: The variety of vegetables used in the strata adds both flavor and nutrition. Feel free to mix and match depending on your preferences. Common options include onions, bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini.
  • Cheese: Shredded cheese adds a creamy, savory element to the strata. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but other varieties like mozzarella or goat cheese work well too.
  • Bread: Day-old bread is ideal because it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming soggy. You can use any bread you prefer, but whole wheat or sourdough can add a bit of extra flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Strata Batter:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with a little oil or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme (if using). Set the mixture aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and spinach (or kale). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Strata:

  1. Layer the Bread and Vegetables: Arrange the cubed bread evenly at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour half of the egg mixture over the bread. Next, layer the sautéed vegetables evenly on top of the bread.
  2. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese over the vegetables. Pour the remaining egg mixture over the top, making sure the bread is well-soaked with the egg mixture. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread to ensure it absorbs the liquid.

Bake the Strata:

  1. Bake: Bake the strata in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are fully set. You can test this by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.
  2. Cool and Serve: Allow the strata to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://buttereats.com/vegetable-cheese-strata/