Teresa's Recipes
Spinach and Gruyere Strata
Indulge in this delightful Spinach and Gruyere Strata, a savory breakfast casserole that brings together the earthy flavors of fresh spinach and the nutty richness of Gruyere cheese. Perfect for brunch gatherings or as a make-ahead meal, this dish allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the bread absorbs the creamy egg mixture. With its golden top and fluffy interior, this strata is sure to impress your guests and family alike, making it a staple in any brunch repertoire.
Ingredients
- 6 cups, cubed (preferably day-old French bread or sourdough) Bread
- 4 cups, cooked and chopped Fresh spinach
- 2 cups, shredded Gruyere cheese
- 6 large Eggs
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons, chopped Fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Breakfast/Brunch
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 14g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked spinach, and shredded Gruyere cheese, ensuring an even distribution.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture and gently toss to combine, making sure every piece of bread is coated in the egg mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Cover the dish with foil and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight. This soaking time allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a custardy texture.
- When ready to bake, remove the strata from the refrigerator. Bake it covered with foil for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Once baked, remove the strata from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares.
- Serve warm, and enjoy this delicious and hearty breakfast treat!
Tips
- For added flavor, consider sautéing some onions or garlic and mixing them in with the spinach.
- Feel free to substitute Gruyere with other cheeses like Swiss or cheddar, depending on your preference.
- Add cooked sausage or bacon for a meaty twist, or include cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and taste.