Cheese strata is a classic baked breakfast or brunch casserole made with layers of bread, eggs, milk, and cheese. It's an easy and comforting dish that can feed a crowd by stretching ingredients.
Stratas have a custard-like texture thanks to the egg and milk mixture that soaks into the bread, turning it soft and creamy when baked. The cheese adds delicious flavor and melted gooeyness.
While cheese strata may seem like a modern dish, versions of egg and bread casseroles have existed for centuries. Some sources cite origins as far back as Ancient Rome.
Strata got its name from the Latin word "stratum" meaning layer or levels. This refers to the layered construction method used to make the dish.
By the early 20th century, American cookbooks featured recipes for these custardy breakfast bakes. They were likely popular because they used simple ingredients already on hand. Stratas also work well for make-ahead meals.
Over the years, home cooks created many creative twists on the basic formula. The classic cheese strata emerged as a fan favorite for its savory flavor and mild cheesiness.
How to Make Cheese Strata
Part of the appeal of cheese strata is its simple preparation. You don't need advanced culinary skills, just basic mixing and layering.
Here is an overview of the easy process:
Ingredients
To make a basic cheese strata you'll need:
- Bread - Choose a type that will soak up the egg mixture well. French bread and white sandwich bread work perfectly. Avoid dense whole grain loaves.
- Eggs and Milk - The custard is typically made with a mix of eggs and milk or cream. This creates a lightly sweet, rich base.
- Cheese - Cheddar and mozzarella are common choices, but many melty cheeses work. Shred or dice the cheese into small pieces.
- Flavorings (optional) - Consider additions like diced ham, bacon, sautéed veggies, fresh herbs, etc.
Assembly
Constructing a strata is simple:
- Prepare custard - Whisk eggs with milk, salt, pepper and any extra flavorings.
- Layer bread and cheese in a greased baking dish, finishing with a cheese layer.
- Pour custard evenly over the top allowing time for bread to soak it up.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.
- Bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
That's all there is too it! The casserole puffs up beautifully in the oven.
Key Takeaway: Cheese strata construction involves just 3 easy steps - prepare custard, layer bread and cheese, then pour over custard and bake.
Top Cheese Strata Tips
Making cheese strata for a Sunday brunch? Here are some top tips:
Choose Wisely
- Use stale or day-old bread which absorbs custard better than fresh.
- High quality cheese like aged cheddar ensures the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as nicely.
- Go for whole milk or cream over skim or low-fat milk to prevent drying out.
Customize It
- Dice up cooked meat like ham or bacon and mix throughout.
- Sauté veggies like mushrooms, onions, spinach etc. and add to layers.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary or chives.
- Add spices and seasonings to the custard for extra dimension.
Bake with Care
- Grease your baking dish well so the strata releases easily.
- Prevent overbrowning by tenting foil over the strata while it bakes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a knife to confirm the center is set.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the custard firms up.
even more creative strata flavor combos
Now that you know the basics behind this classic bake, it's easy to start riffing with fun new ingredients.
Here are just a few creative flavor combinations to consider:
- Italian Strata - Pepperoni, mozzarella, marinara sauce, basil
- Mexican Strata - Chorizo, pepper jack, salsa, cilantro
- Greek Strata - Spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano
- Thanksgiving Strata - Turkey, stuffing cubes, cranberry sauce
- Caprese Strata - Tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto, balsamic glaze
You could also play with globally inspired flavors using spices like garam masala or harissa paste.
The possibilities are nearly endless, so unleash your imagination! Just be sure to cut larger add-ins like meat and veggies into bite-size pieces before layering them into the strata.
Key Takeaway: Get creative with your cheese strata by adding different meats, vegetables, herbs and other mix-in ingredients. Popular options include ham, bacon, sautéed onions/peppers, spinach and fresh herbs.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Cheese Strata
To ensure your strata turns out perfectly moist and baked through, keep these tips in mind:
- Preheat properly - Allow your oven to fully preheat before baking so the strata cooks evenly.
- Use a thermometer - Insert an instant-read thermometer to check for a 160°F internal temperature signaling doneness.
- Watch oven placement - If browning too quickly, move strata to a lower rack away from the heating element.
- Cover with foil - Prevent overbrowning on top by tenting foil over it while baking.
- Check early and often - Begin periodically checking strata with a knife around the minimum bake time stated in your recipe to avoid drying out.
Be careful not to under or overbake your strata. Following the recipe carefully along with these useful tips will help ensure baked to perfection results every time.
Serving Ideas for Cheese Strata
A bubbly slice of cheese strata stars as the main attraction on any breakfast or brunch spread. But what are some tasty things to serve alongside?
Breakfast Sides
- Fresh fruit salad
- Sausage or bacon
- Breakfast potatoes
- Biscuits or muffins
- Yogurt parfaits
Lunch and Dinner Dishes
While we typically think of strata as a morning meal, it works nicely for lunch or dinner too. Round out your table with:
- Tomato soup
- Green salad or slaw
- Roast chicken or pork
- Grilled vegetables
- Dinner rolls
Get creative with drinks as well. Beyond standard breakfast juices or coffees, cheese strata makes a nice partner to wines, sangria cocktails or even beer.
With so many easy pairing options, you can enjoy this yummy bake all day long.
Tips for Leftover Strata
One of the bonuses of cheese strata? Serving a crowd means you'll likely have tasty leftovers. Here's how to store and reheat them:
- Allow strata to cool completely before storing.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or oven at 300°F to prevent drying.
- Improved texture by wrapping slices in a damp paper towel while reheating.
- Alternatively, you can fry slices in butter for crispy edges with a creamy center!
Be careful not overcook stored strata or it may turn rubbery. Use these methods to enjoy the leftovers nearly as good as fresh.
FAQs
What kind of bread works best for strata?
The best breads for strata have a fluffy crumb structure that absorbs custard well. Good options include milk bread, challah, brioche and lighter sandwich loaves. Avoid very dense, whole grain breads. Day-old or stale bread is ideal since it soaks up more moisture.
Can I prepare strata the night before?
Yes, cheese strata can and should be assembled then refrigerated overnight before baking. This allows time for the custard to permeate the bread so all the layers meld together. Chilling also helps the strata hold its shape better while baking.
What cheese should I use?
Good melting cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack and Gruyère work very well. Avoid low moisture cheeses like Parmesan which may turn rubbery when baked. Using a blend of cheeses adds more complexity.
How do I prevent my strata from drying out?
To keep cheese strata nice and moist, use a custard of more egg yolks than whites which contributes richness. You can also substitute heavy cream or half and half for some or all of the milk. Baking too long can lead to drying so watch carefully for doneness cues.
Can I add meat, veggies or herbs?
Absolutely! Cheese strata is highly customizable. Cooked meats like bacon, sausage and ham pair nicely, as do quick-cooking veggies such as onions, bell peppers and mushrooms. Fresh herbs like chives, parsley or basil add a flavor boost too.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings, cheese strata has become a cherished recipe handed down through generations. This comforting casserole bakes up custardy, cheesy and delicious while easily feeding a group.
Part of the magic lies in how simple it is to throw together a pan the night before. Then you wake up to the aromas of cheese melting between slices of bread soaked in a luscious egg bath.
Yet as easy as traditional cheese strata may be, it's a terrific foundation for creativity. Embrace any flavors that appeal and transform it into something new.