Strata Breakfast Casserole
A hearty breakfast casserole featuring crispy bacon, tender asparagus, cheesy bread layers, and a creamy egg mixture—perfect for brunch gatherings or weekend mornings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces, steam with 1 tablespoon oil, salt, and 1/3 cup water for 3-4 minutes.
- Whisk together half and half, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or Pam.
- Line the bottom of the dish with 6 slices of white bread.
- Scatter half of the cooked bacon, sausage, or ham and steamed asparagus over the bread.
- Sprinkle with half of the grated cheddar cheese and chopped scallions if desired.
- Pour 1 cup of the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Repeat layers with remaining bread, meat, asparagus, cheese, and scallions.
- Slowly pour the remaining egg mixture over the top layer.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place a weight (such as a 16 oz. can) on top to submerge ingredients for 15 minutes.
- Refrigerate overnight if desired, then bring to room temperature before baking.
- Preheat oven to 325°F and place rack in the middle position.
- Bake the casserole for about 50 minutes until set.
- Turn on the broiler and broil until the top is spotty brown and puffy, watching carefully.
- Let stand for 8 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute whole milk for half and half. Feel free to use leftover holiday meats or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian option. If asparagus is out of season, consider using frozen spinach or sautéed mushrooms instead. To save time, prepare the casserole the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator to meld flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this strata with a fresh fruit salad or crispy hash browns for a complete breakfast spread. For a festive brunch, pair it with mimosas or a light green salad. This dish also complements other hearty options like Yankee Baked Beans or a frittata, making it perfect for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice individual portions and microwave until warmed through or cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Avoid overheating to keep the texture pleasant.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strata Breakfast Casserole contains roughly 836 calories, with 28g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (63% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1810mg per serving (79% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the strata the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and in the morning, all you need to do is bake it.
What can I substitute for the meat?
If you're looking for a meatless option, consider using sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also add cheese for extra flavor, or use a plant-based sausage for a similar texture.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when it is set in the center and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. It should also be slightly puffed and golden on top. If it browns too quickly, tent it with foil until the center is cooked through.
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).