Variable Vegetable Strata
A hearty vegetable strata layered with bread, vegetables, and cheese, baked until golden. Perfect for brunch or a family dinner, this versatile dish allows for varying vegetable choices and offers a comforting, savory flavor profile that appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut bread into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Sprinkle half of the bread cubes into a greased 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle cooked, chopped vegetables and shredded Cheddar cheese over the bread cubes.
- Top with remaining bread cubes.
- Blend together eggs, cream of chicken soup, milk, prepared mustard, basil leaves, and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the layered bread, vegetables, and cheese.
- Cover the dish.
- Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until golden brown, about 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a variety of cheeses such as mozzarella or feta instead of just Cheddar. If you have fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, they can enhance the dish significantly. You can also substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version or a different cream soup for a unique twist. Leftover cooked meats—like chicken or ham—can be incorporated for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions
This strata makes a great brunch dish and pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, like Chutney Salad, or a side of fruit to balance the savory flavors. Consider serving it alongside breakfast meats such as bacon or sausage for a heartier meal. It can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover strata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheating option, but the oven will keep the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Variable Vegetable Strata contains roughly 462 calories, with 12g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 566mg per serving (25% 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 use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the strata soggy. You may also want to sauté them briefly to enhance their flavor before adding them to the dish.
Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
While refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld and the bread to soak up the egg mixture, it's not strictly necessary. If you're short on time, you can refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the day-old bread with gluten-free bread of your choice. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the cream of chicken soup, are also gluten-free to keep the dish compliant.
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).