Overnight Breakfast Strata with Spinach and Cheese

This hearty and flavorful Breakfast Strata is a savory baked egg casserole layered with crusty bread, spinach, roasted red peppers, onions, and a rich blend of cheeses. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for holidays, brunches, or lazy weekend mornings. With a creamy egg mixture that soaks overnight into the bread, it bakes up golden, fluffy, and delicious every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This breakfast strata is a complete meal in one dish. It’s comforting, customizable, and made ahead of time, freeing you up in the morning. The mix of sautéed vegetables, melty cheese, and hearty bread soaked in a flavorful egg custard makes for a balanced and satisfying breakfast or brunch option. It feeds a crowd and is easily adapted for dietary needs or preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• chopped frozen spinach (defrosted and drained)

• unsalted butter

• yellow onion, minced

• kosher salt and pepper

• roasted red peppers, diced

• milk (any fat percentage)

• heavy cream

• grated nutmeg

• Dijon mustard

• large eggs

• cooking spray or butter (for greasing the pan)

• cubed sourdough, French, or Italian bread

• Gruyere or Swiss cheese, shredded

• Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

1. Squeeze all excess moisture from defrosted spinach using cheesecloth or a clean towel. Set aside.

2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced onion with salt and pepper, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft.

3. Stir in drained spinach and diced roasted red peppers. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until fully combined.

5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer ⅓ of the bread cubes, followed by ⅓ of the spinach mixture, and ⅓ of each cheese. Repeat layers two more times.

6. Pour egg mixture evenly over the strata. Press down gently to submerge the bread. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

7. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

8. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Then cover loosely with foil and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes, until golden and puffed.

9. Let rest slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Refrigeration Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 9 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Add Meat: Include crumbled bacon, cooked sausage, diced ham, or Canadian bacon in the layers.

• Switch Up the Veggies: Try sautéed mushrooms, asparagus, fresh bell peppers, or shallots instead of spinach and red peppers.

• Use Different Cheeses: Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or feta can replace Gruyere or Parmesan for a different flavor.

• Make It Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly version.

• Low-Dairy Option: Use lactose-free milk and reduce or substitute cheeses as needed.

• Herb Boost: Add chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or basil to the egg mixture for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover strata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual slices in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
To reheat the full casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20–30 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

What is a strata?

A strata is a layered casserole made with bread, eggs, cheese, and optional vegetables or meat, soaked overnight and baked until fluffy and golden.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is designed to be assembled the night before and refrigerated, then baked in the morning.

What’s the best bread to use for strata?

Sourdough, French, or Italian bread works well. Choose a sturdy loaf that holds up to soaking without becoming mushy.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, sauté and drain fresh spinach before adding it to the skillet with the onion and peppers.

Is it okay to use only milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly lighter and less rich. You can also use half-and-half as a middle ground.

How do I know when the strata is done baking?

The top should be golden, the center puffed, and a knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.

Can I freeze the strata?

Freezing before baking isn’t recommended due to the custard. However, baked and cooled strata can be frozen in slices and reheated later.

What can I serve with breakfast strata?

A side of fruit, a green salad, or crispy breakfast potatoes pairs well with this hearty dish.

Can I make this in a smaller dish?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the quantities and baking time accordingly.

Can I omit the cheese or use a dairy-free substitute?

Yes, though it will alter the taste and texture. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and replace the milk/cream with plant-based options if needed.

Conclusion

This Breakfast Strata is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping breakfast in advance. Its rich custard base, flavorful vegetables, and melty cheese make every bite delicious. Whether you’re hosting brunch or planning for a busy morning, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience.