Mexican-Style Cheese Strata
A flavorful Mexican-inspired cheese strata featuring crispy tortilla chips, melted Monterey Jack, green chillies, and a smoky kick, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups flavored tortilla chips, broken ⓘ
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 6 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can green chillies, drained, seeded and sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons catsup ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon bottled hot pepper sauce
- whole tortilla chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle the broken tortilla chips evenly over the bottom of a 12 x 7 x 2-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded Monterey Jack cheese with the beaten eggs, milk, drained and sliced green chillies, finely chopped onion, catsup, salt, and hot pepper sauce; mix well with a rotary beater.
- Pour the egg mixture over the tortilla chips and cheese in the dish.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until the top is set and lightly browned.
- Garnish with whole tortilla chips and halved tomato slices before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses such as cheddar or pepper jack to complement the Monterey Jack. If you want a spicier kick, add some diced jalapenos along with the green chillies. You can also replace the tortilla chips with corn tortillas for a different texture. Make sure to let the strata sit in the refrigerator long enough for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexican-Style Cheese Strata for brunch alongside a fresh salad or as a hearty dinner option. It pairs beautifully with Salsa Delights for an extra burst of flavor. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top when serving. This dish also makes a great centerpiece for any gathering or celebration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the strata in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, warming it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps keep the dish from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican-Style Cheese Strata contains roughly 696 calories, with 12g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1929mg per serving (84% 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 and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for an easy breakfast or brunch option. Just make sure to bake it the next day as instructed.
What can I use instead of green chillies?
If you can't find green chillies, you can substitute with diced canned jalapenos or even fresh diced bell peppers for a milder flavor. Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this Mexican-Style Cheese Strata is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. However, be sure to check the specific brands of tortilla chips and cheese you use, as some may contain animal-derived ingredients.
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).