Brunch Spinach Strata
A savory brunch dish featuring layers of bread, spinach, and cheese baked to perfection, ideal for a hearty, flavorful start to the day or weekend gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 slices firm white bread ⓘ
- 4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon margarine or butter, softened ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 6 large eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Grease an 8 x 8 inch glass baking dish.
- Place 4 slices of bread in the dish.
- Top with 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, all chopped spinach, then remaining cheese.
- Spread margarine or butter on one side of the remaining bread slices.
- Place the buttered bread slices in the dish, buttered side up.
- In a medium bowl, beat eggs, milk, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper until blended.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread slices in the dish.
- Prick the bread with a fork and press slices down to absorb the egg mixture.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Uncover the baking dish and bake for 1 hour or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whole milk instead of low-fat. You can substitute the mozzarella with cheddar or feta for a different flavor profile. If you’re short on time, use day-old bread for better absorption of the egg mixture. Adding sautéed onions or bell peppers can enhance the dish's taste, making it a perfect fit for American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This brunch spinach strata pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or some roasted tomatoes for a colorful plate. Consider serving it alongside a light fruit salad or a yogurt parfait for a complete meal. For a heartier breakfast, you might enjoy it with a side of crispy bacon or sausage. You can also browse more vegetarian recipes to complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method maintains the strata's texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brunch Spinach Strata contains roughly 1096 calories, with 23g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), iron (72% of the Daily Value), and calcium (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 969mg per serving (42% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the strata the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture fully, resulting in a richer flavor and texture when baked.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess moisture from the frozen spinach before adding it to the strata. This prevents the dish from becoming watery.
Is it possible to add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to include other vegetables like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just ensure they are cooked and drained if necessary to maintain the right consistency.
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).