Sara'S Breakfast Strata
Sara's Breakfast Strata is a hearty, cheesy baked casserole layered with bread, ham, and green onions. Its savory flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for weekend brunch or family gatherings, offering a delicious start to the day with minimal prep and overnight refrigeration.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim crust from bread slices. Lightly butter the slices and fit them into a buttered 7 x 11-inch dish.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese over the bread.
- Top with chopped cooked ham.
- In a bowl, beat eggs and mix with green onions, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered bread, cheese, and ham.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the egg mixture. If you're short on time, using pre-cooked bacon or sausage can be a great substitute for ham. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for added flavor. Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme can enhance the taste as well.
Serving Suggestions
This breakfast strata pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside crispy hash browns or even a side of Potatoes On The Grill for a delicious brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover strata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for a minute or two, or warm the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sara'S Breakfast Strata contains roughly 724 calories, with 16g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (86% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1758mg per serving (76% 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 prepare this breakfast strata the night before?
Yes, preparing it the night before is actually recommended! After assembling the strata, cover it and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the egg mixture. This makes for an easy and convenient breakfast option in the morning.
Can I substitute the ham with another protein?
Absolutely! You can use cooked bacon, sausage, or even shredded chicken as a substitute for ham. For a vegetarian option, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a hearty alternative that still packs plenty of flavor.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
While white or whole wheat bread works great, you can also use brioche or challah for a richer flavor and texture. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale or toasted to help it absorb the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
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).