Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe
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.
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.