how far in advance can you make strata

Strata is otherwise known as “the breakfast casserole that your overnight guests will think you toiled away on all morning when in reality, you simply whipped it up the night before and just popped in the oven.”

Stratas are egg casseroles made with bread—lots of it. You could call them savory bread puddings. Two things I love about stratas (besides how delicious they are):

Let’s make a Bacon and Cheese Strata and then I’ll show you a few more of my favorite variations.

Start with bread. Any bread will do, but I tend to go for the fresh baked French loaves in my grocery store. Rip it into chunks; don’t even bother cubing it. When you measure, press it down a bit in the measuring cup. A large glass measure works well here, and too much bread is better than too little.

You’ll also need milk, eggs, and seasoning. For the seasoning, I almost always keep it simple: salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Mustard powder adds a little tang and keeps things interesting.

Here’s where you can get creative. We’re adding crispy bacon, shallots, cheese (lots of cheese), and parsley.

Last, stir in the bread. Pour the whole thing into a greased pan, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours and up to 24. At first, you’ll think the mixture looks too wet, too milky. That’s where the time in the fridge works its magic.

The next morning, sip your coffee, read the paper, do some online shopping, all while your sumptuous strata bakes in the oven.

The strata will poof gorgeously in the oven and deflate once it rests. You do want to give it about 5 minutes to rest after coming out of the oven. This gives the eggs a chance to set up. Also, you won’t risk burning the roof of your mouth.

MAKE AHEAD: Strata improves when there is plenty of time for the bread to soak up the custard. Make this up to 12 hours ahead of baking. The strata will emerge from the oven puffed and gorgeous, then deflate. It can be served piping hot or at room temperature.
how far in advance can you make strata

2 – Italian Strata

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan. Saute 1/2 cup onion for 1 to 2 minutes. Add 8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook 1 minute more. Remove to a plate with a slotted spoon.

Stir into the egg mixture:

  • 1 cup quartered pepperoni slices
  • 3/4 cup sliced green olives
  • 1 1/2 cup grated mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan
  • mushrooms/onions/garlic

how far in advance can you make strata

1 – Spinach Artichoke Strata

Replace salt, pepper, and mustard with 1 1/2 teaspoons Greek seasoning.

Whisk 3 ounces softened cream cheese into the egg mixture, then stir in:

  • 10 ounces chopped frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 can (14-ounce size) quartered artichoke hearts, drained
  • 1 cup grated Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • a dash of Tabasco

how far in advance can you make strata

How to Make Breakfast Strata | Strata Recipe | Allrecipes.com

FAQ

How long does strata keep in the fridge?

Bake until the center of the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 160 °F as tested with a food thermometer. After baking, any leftovers must be refrigerated within two hours and can be kept three to four days in the refrigerator or frozen for about three months. Uncooked egg strata should not be frozen.

How long can you keep a breakfast casserole in fridge before baking?

You can either bake breakfast casserole immediately or cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to bake later.

How long can you refrigerate a casserole before baking?

Unless food will be frozen, it’s safest and will provide the best quality product to start preparing most perishable foods no more than a day before a meal. For example, assemble a vegetable casserole a day in advance, refrigerate and then bake the day of your dinner.

Can you make a casserole with raw eggs ahead of time?

Yes, you can. Raw eggs are fairly stable in the freezer, especially when beaten or mixed with other ingredients. Check to see what else is in the casserole, though.

How long does it take to cook a strata?

Cover tightly and chill at least 1 hour or up to overnight. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Remove the strata from the fridge and let sit while the oven heats. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes. Loosely cover with foil, and bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until puffed, set, and golden brown all over top.

Can a strata be made overnight?

Stratas can be made with a variety of taste fillings including meats, cheese, vegetables or fruits. Do you have to let strata sit overnight? You can let sit overnight or if you don’t have time, bake right away. Bake uncovered at 350′ for about 30-35 min. til bubbly. How far in advance can you make a strata?

How to cook a strata in the oven?

The dish should be golden brown on top, and the cheese should be melted. You can also ensure it is cooked by checking the internal temperature in the center. It has to be 160F. Remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. While baking, the strata will puff up, but after you remove it from the oven, it will deflate.

How long do you let a strata cool before cooking?

Let cool 10 minutes before serving. What does strata mean in cooking? A strata is usually a savoury egg-bread casserole that’s baked in the oven or microwaved. Stratas can be made with a variety of taste fillings including meats, cheese, vegetables or fruits.

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