Overnight Christmas Breakfast Strata
Christmas morning is a time for family, celebration, and delicious food. One of the best ways to ensure you have a stress-free and delightful morning is by preparing an Overnight Christmas Breakfast Strata. This savory dish, packed with layers of bread, cheese, vegetables, and meat, is a perfect make-ahead option that allows you to enjoy the festivities without being stuck in the kitchen.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
This breakfast strata isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. Eggs provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins, while the vegetables offer fiber and antioxidants. Using whole grain bread can add more fiber, making this dish a nutritious start to your Christmas morning.
Choosing the Right Bread
The type of bread you use can significantly affect the texture of your strata. Day-old bread like French bread or sourdough works best as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and let it sit out for a few hours to dry out further.
Preparing the Veggies and Meat
Adding a variety of vegetables and meats can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your strata. Sauté the bell peppers, onions, and any other vegetables until they are tender. Cook the sausage or ham and crumble it into small pieces.
Making the Egg Mixture
The egg mixture is the heart of the strata, binding all the ingredients together. Here’s how to make it:
- In a large bowl, whisk together 10 eggs, 2 cups of milk, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
- Add 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk until well combined.
Layering the Strata
Layering the ingredients ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Follow these steps:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- Top with half of the cooked sausage or ham, sautéed vegetables, and shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers, pressing down slightly to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
Overnight Refrigeration
Refrigerating the strata overnight is crucial. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture, resulting in a cohesive, flavorful dish. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
Baking Tips and Tricks
To achieve a perfectly baked strata, follow these tips:
- Oven Settings: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the strata uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set.
- Golden Crust: For an extra crispy top, broil the strata for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
This strata is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light side.
- Mimosas or Fresh Juice: Celebrate with a festive drink.
Variations of the Recipe
Feel free to customize your strata with different ingredients:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like zucchini or broccoli.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Cheese Varieties: Try different cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or gouda for a unique flavor.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be just as delicious. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
FAQs
- Can I use different types of bread?
- Yes, any sturdy bread like baguette or ciabatta works well.
- Can I make this strata without overnight refrigeration?
- For best results, overnight refrigeration is recommended, but you can refrigerate for at least 4 hours if short on time.
- Can I freeze the strata?
- Yes, assemble the strata, then cover tightly and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
- How can I make the strata spicier?
- Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- What other meats can I use?
- Bacon, chorizo, or diced turkey can be delicious alternatives to sausage or ham.
Conclusion
The Overnight Christmas Breakfast Strata is a fantastic way to start your holiday morning with minimal effort. This savory, hearty dish, filled with layers of flavorful ingredients, will surely become a family favorite. Prepare it the night before, relax, and enjoy a stress-free, delicious Christmas breakfast with your loved ones.
Overnight Christmas Breakfast Strata
Christmas morning is a time for family, celebration, and delicious food. One of the best ways to ensure you have a stress-free and delightful morning is by preparing an Overnight Christmas Breakfast Strata. This savory dish, packed with layers of bread, cheese, vegetables, and meat, is a perfect make-ahead option that allows you to enjoy the festivities without being stuck in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 loaf Day Old Stale Country Bread, cubed or torn apart into bite sized pieces {French Loaf, Focaccia, or Ciabatta works great too}
- 8 large Eggs
- 2 1/2 cups Milk
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 cup Julienned Sun-dried Tomatoes
- 1 cup Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1 {3 ounce} package Sliced Pancetta, 6-7 slices
- Fresh Parsley, chopped for garnish
- Red Pepper Flake, {optional} for garnish
Instructions
- Butter a 3 quart enameled cast iron pan or 9×13″ baking dish. Lay cubed bread in the bottom of the pan.
- Step 2In a large mixing bowl whisk together eggs, milk, parmesan cheese, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder and sun dried tomatoes. Pour egg mixture over the bread and lightly press down using a spatula to completely saturate bread pieces.
- Step 3Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and lay pancetta slices evenly in a circle around the dish and one in the center.
- Step 4Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- Step 5Remove from refrigerator, uncover, and let sit at room temperature while oven preheats to 350 degrees F. Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes, until pancetta is crispy and strata is set.
- Step 6Serve garnished with chopped parsley and red pepper flake or your favorite hot sauce. Enjoy!