Make Ahead Breakfast Strata

Are you looking for a versatile and customizable strata recipe that can please various preferences, including vegetarians? Look no further than this easy strata recipe!

This dish is perfect for hosting overnight guests, as it can be prepared ahead of time and baked in the morning for a warm and hearty breakfast.

If brunch if you're jam, get it:) - then check out my twisted sheet pan bacon and my Brioche French Toast Casserole.

❤️ Why You'll Love Make Ahead Breakfast Strata

Photo by Food Network

In the recipe, I share several strata breakfast strata recipe options using different meats, cheeses, and veggies. A great way to use up leftover veggies and bread. Speaking of bread, you can use leftover biscuits, English muffins, dinner rolls, sourdough, pita bread, really anything! And if you love this, you'll love my Cottage Cheese High Protein Bagels!

🍲 Ingredients

Eggs - I use eight large eggs. That's about 1 ½ cups of eggs if you're going to be using small or medium-sized eggs.

Milk & Half and Half - You can use any type of milk you have on hand.

Greens- They add freshness and nutrition. If you use arugula, it adds a bit of pepper flavor.

Bread: A good time to use up any leftover bread you have on hand: leftover bread torn into 1-inch pieces, such as English muffins, white or sourdough bread.

Cheese: Use a good melting cheese: shredded mild melting cheese such as Gruyere, provolone, goat cheese, or Gouda.

Veggies and Meats: chopped cooked vegetables, cooked bacon ham or sausage.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Make Ahead Breakfast Strata

It's so easy to make, combine the ingredients, let sit overnight if you have time, and bake.

🪄 Tips and Tricks

• Pro tip on the difference in egg labeling. Organic eggs come from hens that eat a natural diet and aren’t given unnecessary extras. Free-range eggs mean the hens get outdoor time, but how much varies. Cage-free eggs sound nice, but the birds are still indoors—just not in small spaces. Pasture-raised is the gold standard, with plenty of outdoor space to roam and snack. Bottom line? More outdoor time usually means happier birds and richer yolks!
• This strata can be baked immediately or assembled the night before and refrigerated until baking the following morning.
• If using hearty veggies like broccoli, microwave them first to be sure they will be completely cooed in the Strata.
• Ovens vary. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake until the strata is puffed, golden brown at the edges and set in the center, about 15 minutes more.

🗒 Variations

Strata recipes for breakfast vary depending on the ingredients you use. A breakfast strata is the ultimate mix-and-match dish—you can swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or are craving. The key is a good balance of bread, eggs, and mix-ins, so every bite is flavorful! Here are three classic combos:

• Ham, cheddar, and green onions – A timeless favorite with melty cheese and savory bites.
• Spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes – A Mediterranean twist with a little tang.
• Sausage, peppers, and pepper jack – A bold, slightly spicy option with tons of flavor.

🗒 Substitutions

The most common bread in breakfast Strats recipes is a day-old artisan loaf or French bread.  The day-old bread gives the Strata the classic texture. Similar to a bread pudding. But they are equally as great made with the following.

• Croissants – Day-old, buttery and rich, perfect for a more indulgent texture.
• Sourdough – Adds a little tang and holds up well to the egg mixture.
• Bagels – Chewy and hearty, great for a denser bite.
• Brioche – Slightly sweet and soft, ideal for a more delicate strata.
• English muffins – Soaks up the egg mixture while keeping some texture.
• Cornbread – Adds a bit of sweetness and a crumbly texture.
• Gluten-free bread – To make a gluten free Strata, use gluten free bread.
• Leftover Crostini- Yes, I've even made it with leftover crostini, and it was delicious! See below.

🤔 Common Questions