If you need a perfect brunch dish, the Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe is the answer. This Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe is famous for being both simple and elegant.
Learning how to make Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe will save you so much time on busy mornings.
It is a savory bread pudding that everyone in your family will love. This Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe turns basic bread and eggs into a gourmet meal.
What Makes This Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Special
This dish is special because you make it the night before. You let the bread soak up the creamy egg custard while you sleep.
Martha Stewart is known for classic flavors, and this recipe delivers exactly that. It uses simple, high-quality ingredients like sharp cheddar and fresh spinach.
The texture is a beautiful mix of a soft center and a crispy golden top. It feels like a fancy cafe meal but is made in your own kitchen.
Equipment List
- Large 9×13 inch ceramic baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or large fork
- Frying pan or skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bread knife
- Aluminum foil
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata
- Servings: 8 people
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Total Time: 75 mins (plus overnight chilling)
- Course: Breakfast / Brunch
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe
- 1 loaf of crusty French or Italian bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 10 large eggs
- 3 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage or thick-cut bacon
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep the Bread
Slice your loaf of bread into small, even cubes. Use bread that is a day old for the best texture. Spread the cubes evenly inside a greased baking dish.
2. Cook the Meat and Veggies
Brown the sausage or bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft. Stir in the spinach until it wilts slightly.
3. Layer the Ingredients
Scatter the cooked meat and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Give the dish a gentle shake to settle things.
4. Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and heavy cream together. Add the dry mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk until the mixture is very smooth and frothy.
5. Pour and Soak
Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread and cheese. Press down on the bread with a spatula so it stays submerged. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
6. Chill Overnight
Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least six hours. Letting it sit overnight is even better for the flavor. This allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid.
7. Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 350°F before taking the dish out. Remove the plastic and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. The top should be puffy and golden brown.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use Stale Bread: Fresh bread can get too soggy. Use bread that feels slightly dry or crusty.
- Veggie Swap: You can use kale or mushrooms instead of spinach. Just sauté them first to remove extra moisture.
- Cheese Choices: Gruyère or Swiss cheese adds a sophisticated, nutty flavor to the dish.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Meatless Option: Omit the sausage and add sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious vegetarian version.
Interesting Facts About Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata
The word “strata” comes from the word “layers.” This dish is all about layering bread, cheese, and eggs to create structure.
While it feels modern, these types of bread puddings have been around for a long time.
Martha Stewart helped popularize this version because it is the ultimate “make-ahead” meal. It was designed to help hosts enjoy their morning without being stuck at the stove.
Perfect Dishes to Serve With Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A bowl of berries or melon balances the salty cheese nicely.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the eggs.
- Roasted Potatoes: If you want a very hearty meal, crispy potatoes are a great side.
- Hot Coffee or Mimosas: These are the classic beverages for a perfect Sunday brunch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Microwave Reheating: Heat individual slices for 60 seconds until they are warm through.
- Oven Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F to keep the top from burning.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked strata for up to one month. Thaw it in the fridge before you reheat it.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Cholesterol | 210mg |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 19g |
Health Benefits
This strata is a great source of high-quality protein from the eggs and meat. Protein helps you feel full and gives you energy for the day. By adding spinach, you get a boost of Vitamin A and iron.
Using whole-grain bread can increase the fiber content of the meal. It is a balanced dish that covers all the major food groups in one pan.
FAQs about Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe
Can I bake the strata immediately without soaking it overnight?
You can, but the texture will be different. The bread needs time to soak up the custard to become soft. If you are in a rush, let it sit for at least two hours.
What is the best type of bread for this recipe?
Sourdough, French bread, or Challah are the best options. You want a sturdy bread that won’t fall apart. Avoid very soft sandwich bread as it can become mushy.
How do I know when the strata is finished cooking?
The center should be set and not jiggly when you shake the pan. The top will be puffed up and a beautiful golden brown color. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. Use a dairy-free cheese substitute as well. The texture might be slightly less creamy, but it will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
Making the Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe is a total game-changer for holiday mornings. It is delicious, filling, and very easy to customize.
Your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen! Give this recipe a try next time you have a family gathering. Happy cooking!
Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of crusty French or Italian bread cut into 1-inch cubes
- 10 large eggs
- 3 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage or thick-cut bacon
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
Instructions
Prep the Bread
- Slice your loaf of bread into small, even cubes. Use bread that is a day old for the best texture. Spread the cubes evenly inside a greased baking dish.
Cook the Meat and Veggies
- Brown the sausage or bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft. Stir in the spinach until it wilts slightly.
Layer the Ingredients
- Scatter the cooked meat and vegetable mixture over the bread cubes. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Give the dish a gentle shake to settle things.
Whisk the Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, and heavy cream together. Add the dry mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk until the mixture is very smooth and frothy.
Pour and Soak
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread and cheese. Press down on the bread with a spatula so it stays submerged. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
Chill Overnight
- Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least six hours. Letting it sit overnight is even better for the flavor. This allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid.
Bake Until Golden
- Preheat your oven to 350°F before taking the dish out. Remove the plastic and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. The top should be puffy and golden brown.
Notes
- Use Stale Bread: Fresh bread can get too soggy. Use bread that feels slightly dry or crusty.
- Veggie Swap: You can use kale or mushrooms instead of spinach. Just sauté them first to remove extra moisture.
- Cheese Choices: Gruyère or Swiss cheese adds a sophisticated, nutty flavor to the dish.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Meatless Option: Omit the sausage and add sun-dried tomatoes for a delicious vegetarian version.