Artichoke Strata
A savory artichoke strata layered with bread, cheese, mushrooms, and pimentos, perfect for brunch or a comforting family meal with rich flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon melted margarine ⓘ
- 3 slices white bread, cubed ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar diced pimento, drained ⓘ
- 4 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- dash of salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute mushrooms and green onions in margarine until tender (2 or 3 minutes); drain and set aside.
- Layer half of the bread cubes, sauteed vegetables, cheese, artichokes, and pimento in a lightly greased 9-inch quiche dish.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Beat eggs with milk, salt, and pepper, then pour over the layered ingredients in the dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until puffed and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or basil in the sautéed vegetables. If you don't have margarine, butter or olive oil can be great substitutes. You can also replace the Cheddar cheese with a mix of Gruyère and mozzarella for a different taste. This dish is perfect for using up stale bread, making it a great way to reduce waste.
Serving Suggestions
Artichoke strata is a delightful brunch dish that pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside crispy bacon or sausage. This dish is also perfect for a potluck, as it can be made ahead and served warm or at room temperature.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold, making it versatile for lunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Artichoke Strata contains roughly 687 calories, with 15g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (93% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1895mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this strata ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the strata the night before. Simply assemble all the layers, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pour the egg mixture over the top and bake as directed. This is a great way to save time for brunch gatherings.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the white bread with gluten-free bread, which will work just as well in this recipe. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like the cheese and pimento, are also gluten-free to ensure the dish meets your dietary needs.
What other vegetables can I add to the strata?
Feel free to customize the strata by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture. This flexibility allows you to incorporate seasonal veggies or leftovers, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).