Zucchini Tomato Strata
A flavorful zucchini and tomato casserole layered with cheeses and crackers, perfect for brunch or casual dinners, offering creamy, cheesy, and fresh vegetable flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove crushed ⓘ
- 40 saltine crackers ⓘ
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup grated part-skim mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 large zucchini (about 8 oz) ends trimmed and sliced lengthwise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3 small tomatoes sliced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups skim milk ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 tsp basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp oregano leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt butter or margarine; sauté onion and garlic.
- Line the bottom of a greased, 2-quart shallow baking dish with 3 rows of saltine crackers, each row overlapping slightly.
- Sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and chopped onion.
- Top with half of the sliced zucchini and 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers with remaining crackers, cheeses, zucchini, and parmesan.
- Arrange the sliced tomatoes around the edge of the dish; place 4 crackers in an overlapping line down the center.
- In a bowl, combine skim milk, eggs, basil leaves, and oregano leaves.
- Pour the egg mixture over the casserole; sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of ricotta cheese or replacing some of the mozzarella with crumbled feta. You can also swap out zucchini for other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers if desired. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers instead of saltines. Adjust the herbs to your taste, as fresh herbs can elevate the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Zucchini Tomato Strata makes a delightful brunch dish, perfect alongside a fresh green salad or some crispy bacon. Consider pairing it with a light fruit salad or serving it with a dollop of sour cream for added richness. It also pairs beautifully with Light As A Feather Yeast Rolls for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the strata in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method will keep the texture crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Tomato Strata contains roughly 2128 calories, with 102g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 143g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (205% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (166% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 the strata in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the strata the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the eggs?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use a mixture of 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for each egg. Alternatively, try using a commercial egg replacer, which can be mixed with water according to package instructions to achieve a similar binding effect.
Can I freeze the strata?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked strata. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. Baked strata can also be frozen, but it's best enjoyed fresh.
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).