Do you ever buy a delicious looking loaf of bread at the bakery, eat it with a few meals and then find it too dry? Don’t toss it! Transform it into a comforting and flavorful dish, a strata! This savory bread pudding is a fantastic way to reduce food waste while creating a hearty meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
A strata is a baked dish made by layering bread with eggs, milk, cheese, and various mix-ins like vegetables, meats, or herbs. As it bakes, the bread soaks up the custard-like mixture, resulting in a creamy, satisfying texture with a crispy golden top. Stale bread is perfect for strata because it absorbs the egg mixture more effectively without becoming mushy. Instead of throwing out those extra slices, give them new life in this delicious dish.
Basic Strata
Ingredients:
- About 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cups milk (or half-and-half for a richer texture)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite)
- 1 cup cooked vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
- 1/2 cup cooked meat (bacon, sausage, or ham; optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of a combination herbs ( for example oregano, red pepper flakes, basil go really well together)
- Butter or oil for greasing the baking dish
Directions:
- Grease a baking dish and spread the cubed stale bread evenly inside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Sprinkle the cheese, vegetables, and meat (if using) over the bread cubes.
- Pour the egg mixture over everything, pressing the bread slightly to ensure it soaks up the liquid.
- Pop it in the fridge overnight. You CAN eat it same day and just chill it for 30 minutes to an hour but overnight ensures that the bread really soaks up that egg mix.
- Preheat your oven to 350F. Bake for 35-45 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
This recipe has morphed over the years but you can find the original here.
Customization Ideas
- Mediterranean Twist: Add feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives.
- Southwestern Flavor: Use pepper jack cheese, chorizo, and diced jalapeños.
- Vegetarian Delight: Load up on roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and onions.
- Italian Style: Mushrooms, mozzarella, sundried tomatoes and Italian sausage.
Strata is a versatile, budget friendly way to use up old bread while creating a delicious meal. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to impress. So next time your bread starts going stale, remember—strata to the rescue!
