Freezer Meals

Breakfast Strata

Name: Breakfast Strata
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups (720g) cubed bread; 1/2 cup (115g) grated cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup (55g) chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup (55g) chopped scallions; 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted; 6 large eggs; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

By Reuben Jardine · June 19, 2026 · Freezer Meals

Prep20 min

Cook35 min

Total60 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made breakfast strata for my family. It was a Sunday morning, and we were all gathered around the table, eager for a delicious meal to start the day. The aroma of baked eggs, cheese, and bread filled the air, and everyone couldn't wait to dig in. Since then, breakfast strata has become a staple in our household, perfect for meal prep and feeding a crowd.

The beauty of breakfast strata lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can customize it to your liking with various ingredients, such as vegetables, meats, and cheeses. It's also a great way to use up leftover bread and reduce food waste. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a classic breakfast strata that's perfect for any occasion.

As a busy home cook, I appreciate the fact that breakfast strata can be made ahead of time and reheats beautifully. It's a great option for meal prep, and you can easily customize it to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and easy breakfast solution, breakfast strata is the perfect choice.

In this recipe, we'll explore the art of making breakfast strata from scratch. We'll cover the essential ingredients, equipment, and steps to create a delicious and satisfying meal. So, let's get started and discover the joy of breakfast strata!

Breakfast strata is a dish that's perfect for any time of day. You can serve it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. So, whether you're a busy home cook or just looking for a new recipe to try, breakfast strata is an excellent choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Breakfast strata is a make-ahead meal prep recipe that stores and reheats well.
It's perfect for feeding a crowd, and you can easily customize it to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
The recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it accessible to everyone.
Breakfast strata is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
It's a great way to use up leftover bread and reduce food waste.
The dish is delicious and satisfying, with a perfect combination of textures and flavors.

Why This Recipe Works

So, what makes breakfast strata so special? The answer lies in the combination of ingredients and the cooking technique. The bread provides a crunchy texture, while the eggs and cheese add creaminess and flavor. The key to a successful breakfast strata is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook it at the right temperature.

The cooking technique is also crucial. By baking the strata in a moderate oven, we can achieve a golden-brown crust on top and a cooked-through interior. The eggs are set, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. It's a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Another important aspect of breakfast strata is the resting time. After baking, it's essential to let the strata rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the eggs to set, and the cheese to cool slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. It's a simple step, but it makes a big difference in the overall quality of the dish.

Overall, breakfast strata is a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy cooking technique, it's a recipe that's accessible to everyone. So, whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, breakfast strata is a great choice for a tasty and fulfilling meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making breakfast strata, the ingredients are crucial. You'll need a combination of bread, eggs, cheese, and vegetables to create a delicious and satisfying meal. In this recipe, we'll use a few simple ingredients to make a classic breakfast strata. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and good-quality cheese, to get the best flavor and texture.

As you shop for the ingredients, keep in mind that you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to add or substitute ingredients to make the dish your own. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a delicious breakfast strata that's perfect for any occasion.

6 cups (720g) cubed breadUse a good-quality bread, such as Challah or brioche, that's a day or two old. This will help the bread to hold its shape and add texture to the strata.
1/2 cup (115g) grated cheddar cheeseYou can use other types of cheese, such as Swiss or mozzarella, but cheddar is a classic choice for breakfast strata.
1/2 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor to the strata, but you can omit it if you prefer.
1/4 cup (55g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the strata, but you can use other herbs, such as basil or thyme, if you prefer.
1/4 cup (55g) chopped scallionsScallions add a pungent flavor to the strata, but you can omit them if you prefer.
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, meltedMelted butter helps to bind the ingredients together and adds flavor to the strata.
6 large eggsFresh eggs are essential for a delicious breakfast strata. Make sure to use eggs that are at room temperature for the best results.
1 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavor of the ingredients and helps to bring out the flavors of the cheese and herbs.
1/2 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a subtle flavor to the strata, but you can omit it if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon dried thymeThyme adds a savory flavor to the strata, but you can use other herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

9x13-inch baking dishLarge bowlWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsCheese graterChopping boardInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Breakfast Strata

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to adjust the oven rack to the middle position to ensure even cooking.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, black pepper, and thyme until well combined. Set aside.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the cubed bread, grated cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
4
Add the chopped parsley and scallions to the bread mixture and stir to combine.
5
Add the melted butter to the bread mixture and stir until the bread is evenly coated.
6
Add the egg mixture to the bread mixture and stir until the bread is well coated.
7
Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish and smooth the top.
8
Bake the strata for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 160°F (71°C).
9
Remove the strata from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
10
Slice the strata into individual portions and serve hot. You can garnish with additional parsley or scallions, if desired.
11
To reheat the strata, simply cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Expert Tips

Use a good-quality bread that's a day or two old to add texture to the strata.
Don't overmix the ingredients, as this can make the strata dense and heavy.
Let the strata rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the eggs to set and the cheese to cool slightly.
You can customize the recipe by adding or substituting ingredients, such as vegetables or meats, to make the dish your own.
To freeze the strata, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
To make individual portions, simply divide the strata mixture into smaller baking dishes and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality bread that's too fresh or too old, which can affect the texture of the strata.
Overmixing the ingredients, which can make the strata dense and heavy.
Not letting the strata rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, which can cause the eggs to be runny and the cheese to be too hot.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which can result in undercooked or overcooked strata.
Not covering the strata with foil when reheating, which can cause the top to dry out and the strata to become overcooked.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the bread mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Using different types of cheese, such as Swiss or mozzarella, for a unique flavor profile.
Adding cooked meats, such as bacon or sausage, to the bread mixture for added protein.
Using different types of bread, such as whole wheat or sourdough, for a unique texture and flavor.
Adding a layer of cream cheese or sour cream to the strata for added creaminess and flavor.
Using fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a bright and fresh flavor to the strata.

What to Serve With Breakfast Strata

Breakfast strata is a versatile dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. You can serve it on its own or with a variety of sides, such as fresh fruit, yogurt, or hash browns. It's also a great option for meal prep, as you can make it ahead of time and reheat it as needed.

Some other ideas for serving breakfast strata include serving it with a side of bacon or sausage, adding a fried or poached egg on top, or serving it with a dollop of sour cream or salsa. You can also use it as a base for a breakfast burrito or wrap, or add it to a breakfast sandwich for added flavor and texture.

Serve with a side of fresh fruit or yogurtAdd a fried or poached egg on topServe with a dollop of sour cream or salsaUse as a base for a breakfast burrito or wrapAdd to a breakfast sandwich for added flavor and texture

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Breakfast strata is a great option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated as needed. To store the strata, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat the strata, simply cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the eggs to become rubbery and the cheese to melt unevenly.

When freezing the strata, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also divide the strata into individual portions and freeze them separately, which makes it easy to reheat just what you need.

Overall, breakfast strata is a convenient and delicious option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated as needed. With its simple ingredients and easy cooking technique, it's a great choice for anyone looking for a quick and easy breakfast solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bread is best for breakfast strata?

A good-quality bread that's a day or two old is best for breakfast strata, as it will add texture and flavor to the dish. Challah or brioche are good options, but you can use other types of bread as well.

Can I customize the recipe by adding or substituting ingredients?

Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding or substituting ingredients, such as vegetables or meats, to make the dish your own. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to ensure that the ingredients are cooked through.

How do I reheat the strata without drying it out?

To reheat the strata without drying it out, cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the eggs to become rubbery and the cheese to melt unevenly.

Can I make individual portions of the strata?

Yes, you can make individual portions of the strata by dividing the mixture into smaller baking dishes and baking for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set.

How long can I store the strata in the refrigerator or freezer?

You can store the strata in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. When freezing, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Can I use different types of cheese in the recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese in the recipe, such as Swiss or mozzarella, for a unique flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the amount of cheese according to your taste preferences.

How do I prevent the strata from becoming too dense or heavy?

To prevent the strata from becoming too dense or heavy, don't overmix the ingredients, and make sure to use a good-quality bread that's a day or two old. You can also add a little bit of milk or cream to the egg mixture to help lighten the texture.

Can I serve the strata at room temperature?

Yes, you can serve the strata at room temperature, but it's best served hot or warm. If you need to serve it at room temperature, make sure to let it cool completely before serving to prevent foodborne illness.

The Full Recipe

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