Overnight Breakfast Strata Spinach Cheese (Print)
Fluffy strata with spinach, cheese, and bread—prepared overnight for a satisfying, ready-to-bake breakfast.
# Ingredients:
→ Base
01 - 6 cups cubed day-old bread
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 small onion, diced
04 - 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
→ Cheese
05 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese
→ Custard
06 - 8 large eggs
07 - 2 cups milk
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ For Greasing
11 - Butter or cooking spray for greasing baking dish
# Directions:
01 - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or coat with cooking spray.
02 - Spread cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish, creating a single, even layer.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add chopped spinach and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
04 - Distribute the sautéed spinach and onion mixture evenly over the bread. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
05 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully blended.
06 - Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard.
07 - Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the custard.
08 - Remove the dish from the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
09 - Uncover and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
10 - Remove the strata from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Uses up leftover or stale bread to prevent waste
- Make ahead and bake fresh when you wake up
- Packed with protein and greens for a wholesome start
- Easily adaptable to what you have on hand
02 -
- Excellent for meal prep and can be chilled up to twenty four hours
- Loaded with protein fiber and vitamins thanks to eggs and spinach
- Customizable with almost any leftover vegetables or cheese you have
- The creamy cheesy top layer is always my favorite A few years ago my niece declared she loved spinach because of this dish and now she helps with the mixing every time we make it together
03 -
- I learned years ago never to skip the overnight soak That is the secret to a creamy slice that does not fall apart
- Do not skimp on the cheese either and always bake until the top is deeply golden Let it rest before serving for best results