Nothing warms a home on a quiet morning like the aroma of a freshly baked breakfast strata. This breakfast strata recipe, inspired by Ina Garten, combines layers of hearty bread, eggs, cheese, and flavorful fillings in a way that's simple yet special.
Perfect for cozy gatherings or a make-ahead treat, this dish embodies comfort and ease.
Whether you're serving it for a family brunch or preparing for a busy morning, this breakfast strata recipe Ina Garten style is sure to become a favorite.
What is Ina Garten's Breakfast Strata?
A breakfast strata is a savory bread pudding that's a classic breakfast casserole.
It's made with layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and fillings like sausage, bacon, or veggies. Ina Garten's version is rich, cheesy, and great for feeding a crowd.
The secret to Ina Garten's breakfast strata is the overnight soak.
This lets the flavors mix together. The bread soaks up the egg and milk, making it soft and custardy. It's known for its cheesy goodness, making it a favorite for special occasions or weekend brunches.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
Calories | 140.6 |
Total Fat | 5.0g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
Cholesterol | 64.2mg |
Sodium | 66.9mg |
Potassium | 67.2mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 5.9g |
Dietary Fiber | 0.8g |
Sugars | 0.2g |
Protein | 16.8g |
Ina Garten's breakfast strata is perfect for feeding a crowd or a make-ahead breakfast. Its cheesy, custardy texture and versatile fillings make it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Ina Garten's Breakfast Strata Recipe
Click to play
Ina Garten's breakfast strata recipe is filled with delicious ingredients.
It starts with 10 cups of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes. This bread is the base, soaking up the egg and milk mixture.
1 pound of Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled, adds heartiness.
For sweetness and crunch, 1 medium onion, chopped, is sautéed and added.
You can also include 1 cup of fresh spinach for extra nutrition.
The strata is held together with 8 large eggs, 2 1/2 cups of whole milk, and 1 cup of heavy cream.
To enhance the taste, 2 cups of shredded Gruyère cheese (or cheddar or Swiss) are sprinkled in.
Seasonings like 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg add depth. These spices make Ina Garten's breakfast strata recipe truly special.
With these ingredients, you're ready to make a delicious breakfast strata.
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is the key to making your dish truly shine.
Let the flavors meld together overnight for the best breakfast.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Ina Garten's Breakfast Strata
Making Ina Garten's breakfast strata is easy and fun. It's perfect for feeding a crowd.
Follow these steps to make this cheesy breakfast casserole at home.
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cooking the Italian sausage in a skillet until it's brown and crumbly.
Drain the fat and set it aside.
Then, sauté the onions until they're soft and clear.
Get the rest of the ingredients ready.
You'll need cubed bread, shredded cheese, and eggs for the custard.
Layer the Bread and Fillings
- 1Coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray for easy cleanup.
- 2Put a layer of cubed bread at the bottom of the dish.
- 3Add the cooked sausage and onions on top of the bread.
- 4Then, sprinkle a lot of shredded cheese.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a big bowl, mix the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour this mixture over the bread and fillings in the dish. Make sure everything is coated evenly.
Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight so the flavors have time to develop.
This lets the bread soak up the egg mixture for better flavor and texture.
Bake the Strata
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the strata out of the fridge and bake for 45-55 minutes.
The dish is ready when the center is firm, and the top has a golden, crispy finish.
By following these steps, you can make Ina Garten's breakfast strata at home. It's a rich and satisfying dish.
Enjoy it with your family and friends for a great start to the day.
Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten's breakfast strata recipe
Ina Garten's breakfast strata is a hit with many sides and accompaniments.
To make a great brunch, serve it with these options:
Balance the rich strata with lighter, refreshing sides.
This will excite your guests' taste buds and keep them full and energized.
Try different combinations to find the best match for your brunch.
Ina Garten's strata is very versatile. Be creative with your sides, choosing what your guests will enjoy. With the right sides, this brunch dish will be the highlight of your meal.
Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Strata Every Time
Making the best breakfast strata, like Ina Garten's, is about mastering a few key techniques.
Follow these simple tips to ensure your strata is rich, creamy, and full of flavor every time.
Use Day-Old Bread for the Best Texture
Using day-old or slightly stale bread is a secret to a perfect breakfast strata.
This bread is drier and more absorbent.
The bread absorbs the egg mixture perfectly, staying moist without becoming soggy.
This results in a hearty yet delicate strata with a unique mouthfeel.
Let the Strata Soak Overnight for Optimal Flavor
Another key tip is to let the strata soak in the fridge overnight.
This allows the flavors of the bread, eggs, cheese, and fillings to blend perfectly.
The longer soak ensures the bread absorbs the egg mixture fully. This creates a luxurious, custardy texture in the final dish.
By following these simple tips for perfect breakfast strata, how to make the best breakfast strata, and tricks for making Ina Garten's breakfast strata, you'll be well on your way to breakfast bliss. Your guests will be impressed by the rich, flavorful, and perfectly textured strata you serve up.
"The secret to a perfect breakfast strata is allowing the bread to soak up all the delicious egg mixture overnight. This ensures the perfect balance of creamy custard and hearty bread in every bite." - Ina Garten
Delicious Variations on the breakfast strata recipe ina garten Style
Ina Garten's breakfast strata is a tasty favorite. What makes it even better is that you can customize it to fit your tastes.
Try out different ways to make breakfast strata with breakfast strata recipe variations that match your taste.
Change up the meat with bacon or ham for a new flavor. For a veggie option, add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and fresh spinach. Add diced green chiles or jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Play with cheese to find your favorite mix. Mix Gruyère with feta or Cheddar for a tasty blend.
Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
Frozen Spinach | 1 (10 ounce) package |
Finely Chopped Onion | 1 1/2 cups (1 large) |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Freshly Grated Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
Cubed French or Italian Bread | 8 cups (1-inch cubes) |
Coarsely Grated Gruyère | 6 ounces (2 cups) |
Finely Grated Parmesan | 2 ounces (1 cup) |
Milk | 2 3/4 cups |
Large Eggs | 9 |
Dijon Mustard | 2 tablespoons |
These breakfast strata recipe variations let you make your Ina Garten breakfast strata special.
It's perfect for any meal, from a cozy brunch to a big gathering.
Get creative and make your breakfast even better with these fun twists.
Reheating and Storing Leftover Breakfast Strata
Ina Garten's breakfast strata is tasty fresh or as leftovers. It's great for when you have extra or made it ahead. Storing and reheating right keeps it moist and flavorful.
Storing Leftover Breakfast Strata
Keep leftover breakfast strata in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
This keeps it fresh and moist. For longer, freeze it for 2 months.
Wrap it securely in plastic wrap or foil, then freeze it for later use.
Reheating Breakfast Strata
These easy steps let you enjoy Ina Garten's breakfast strata even after it's cooled.
Its rich flavors and creamy texture are perfect for any time.
Conclusion
Ina Garten's breakfast strata is the perfect make-ahead dish.
It's both comforting and delicious.
With layers of bread, sausage, cheese, and eggs, it's great for brunch or special occasions.
Preparing it the night before and baking it in the morning is easy.
This makes ina garten breakfast strata ideal for busy hosts or those wanting to impress guests with a homemade, gourmet breakfast.
Looking for an easy breakfast casserole recipe or a make-ahead option?
Ina Garten's strata is sure to impress.
Its savory flavors and make-ahead convenience make it a must-try for any home cook.
Ina Garten's breakfast strata is a crowd-pleaser. It caters to many tastes.
This dish will have your guests talking about it for a long time.
Try this recipe to make your brunch unforgettable.
This dish is perfect for impressing your guests and making your meal unforgettable.
recipe FAQs
A breakfast strata is a savory bread pudding. It's made with layers of bread, eggs, cheese, and fillings like sausage or bacon.
Ina Garten's breakfast strata includes day-old bread, Italian sausage, onion, and spinach. It also has eggs, milk, heavy cream, Gruyère cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
To make Ina Garten's breakfast strata, prepare the ingredients. Layer the bread and fillings in a baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the top. Refrigerate overnight before baking.
Serve Ina Garten's breakfast strata with a fresh fruit salad or crispy breakfast potatoes. It also goes well with a mixed greens salad or freshly brewed coffee or mimosas.
Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture and flavor. Let the strata soak overnight in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld together.
Yes, you can customize the dish. Swap the sausage for bacon or ham, or make it vegetarian with extra vegetables. Try different cheese blends or add a kick of spice.
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to enjoy later. To reheat, place it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Or, heat individual portions in the microwave. If you want to store it for longer, it can be frozen for up to two months.