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Ina Garten Breakfast Strata

Ina Garten Breakfast Strata: Cozy Make-Ahead Brunch Bliss

Enjoy Ina Garten's Breakfast Strata, a make-ahead brunch delight with layers of crusty bread, creamy custard, and savory cheese.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 10 hours
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Strata Base
  • 1 loaf Crusty bread Day-old preferred
  • 6 large Eggs Essential binding agent
  • 2 cups Whole milk Enhances creaminess
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Adds richness
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 2 cups Gruyère or Cheddar cheese Melt-in-your-mouth
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese For added depth
For Freshness & Flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Butter For greasing the dish
  • 2 cups Spinach or kale Can substitute with other veggies
  • 1 cup Mushrooms Sautéed for added flavor
Optional Additions
  • 1 cup Cooked sausage or bacon For added savoriness
  • 1 teaspoon Salt To taste
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper To taste
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley or chives For garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Cut crusty bread into 1-inch cubes and toast on a baking sheet for 10 minutes.
  2. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sauté chopped spinach or kale with sliced mushrooms for 5-7 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Layer half of the toasted bread cubes in the baking dish, followed by half of the sautéed vegetables and cheese. Repeat layers.
  5. Pour the custard mixture over the layers, pressing down gently. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Let the strata sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking uncovered for 50-60 minutes.
  7. Let the strata rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or chives and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 175mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Allow the strata to soak overnight for best results. Use sturdy bread to prevent sogginess.

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