Easy Savory Breakfast Strata

1Ingredients

• 6 cupsDay-old bread, crusts removed, cubed
• 8 wholeLarge eggs
• 2 cupsMilk (whole or 2%)
• 1.5 cupsShredded cheddar cheese
• 1 mediumRed bell pepper, diced
• 0.5 mediumYellow onion, finely chopped
• 5 ouncesFresh spinach
• 1 tablespoonUnsalted butter
• 0.8 teaspoonSalt
• 0.3 teaspoonBlack pepper
• 0.5 teaspoonGarlic powder

2Instructions

1. 1

   Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. If baking immediately, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   ⏱ 2 min
2. 2

   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper and chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

   ⏱ 10 min
3. 3

   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.

   ⏱ 3 min
4. 4

   Arrange half of the cubed bread in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the sautéed vegetable mixture evenly over the bread, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.

   ⏱ 2 min
5. 5

   Repeat the layers: add the remaining bread, then the rest of the vegetables, and finally the remaining cheese.

   ⏱ 2 min
6. 6

   Carefully pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with the back of a spoon to ensure all pieces are submerged in the egg mixture.

   ⏱ 1 min
7. 7

   Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight (8-12 hours) to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard. If refrigerating overnight, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before baking.

   0
8. 8

   Uncover the baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the strata is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

   ⏱ 50 min
9. 9

   Let the strata rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.

   ⏱ 10 min