Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe
Make your mornings stress-free with this Martha Stewart Breakfast Strata Recipe! Packed with bread, eggs, cheese, milk, and veggies.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium skillet
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread cubed, such as French bread or sourdough
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or bacon optional
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach or sautéed spinach
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Cut your bread into bite-sized cubes and spread them evenly in a greased baking dish. Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Cook the Add-Ins
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted. If using sausage or bacon, cook separately and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and thyme. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Assemble the Strata
- Scatter the cooked vegetables and meat over the bread cubes. Sprinkle cheddar and parmesan evenly across the top.
Step 5: Pour the Egg Mixture
- Slowly pour the custard over the bread mixture, making sure all pieces are soaked. Gently press down with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid.
Step 6: Chill Overnight
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This step is essential—it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and develop flavor.
Step 7: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the strata uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
- Let the strata rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Always use slightly stale bread for the best texture
- Don’t skip the overnight soaking step—it’s essential
- Use a mix of cheeses for more flavor depth
- Press the bread gently to ensure even absorption
- Let the dish rest before cutting for clean slices