With a new year looming, resolutions seem inevitable. Each year I try to get lose weight, get organized, learn something new. I’m always good at the learning part, but the other goals fade around the time the groundhog comes. Since tomorrow begins a fresh, new year, I thought I’d try something new here on the blog: sharing more recipes.
I don’t typically share many of them, but I do cook – especially brunch. Most Saturdays my family spends some time at the table together, and we always have yummy food, good conversation and that’s what it’s all about, huh? Today’s breakfast was my super simple strata.
You’ll need bread – any kind will do. I’ve used every thing from croissants, Hawaiian bread, day old biscuits, even plain sandwich bread – but our favorite is sweet Italian bread {shown here}. I used about 2/3 of a loaf, or 3 cups. You can tear it or cut it, it’s really forgiving that way.
You’ll also need fillers. Today I used leftover sausage from yesterday’s breakfast – but you can use precooked bacon, or even cubes of ham {another of our faves!} Keeping it meat-free? That’s ok – you can use mushrooms, broccoli, asparagus, or even spinach – whatever fillings you like in an omelet are yummy here, too.
Eggs & milk – those are pretty basic 🙂 You’ll also need some cheese – once again any kind will do. I had 4 cheese Mexican blend, so it’s what I used. Provolone, cheddar, mozzarella, pretty much any shred-able cheese works perfectly!
Oh! And before you start, preheat your oven to 350.
In a baking dish {coated with non-stick spray}, layer in your bread and fillers.
Simple Strata
Next, mix your eggs & milk, and add your salt and pepper {to your own taste.} Beat until well mixed and kinda fluffy.
Pour your egg mixture over the filler layer. Sprinkle on the cheese & lightly mix it in. Try to get most of the bread coated in the egg mixture. It will not be a very thick strata. You want it thin to cook quickly. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, you just want the center to be set and the corners barely browned. And you’re done! It really only takes about 5 minutes of work to have a super yummy strata. Since you can use leftovers, your wallet will love it as much as your tummy!
GirlRural.com says
That looks super delicious! I think I’ll bust out the breadmaker today and then use some bread for tomorrow’s strata!
NanaDiana says
Gina- This is always my GO TO recipe when I want a quick in the morning fix. I often assemble it the night before and keep it in the fridge overnight and bake in the morning- easy/peasy. Love it-love you- Happy New Year- xo Diana
Cre8ive Motives says
That looks delish, into my recipe inbox in goes. Thank you so much
~Mandy
linda says
Yum. Looks delicious. And now that I’m leaving a comment I realize that I’ve never left one on your blog before! Why is that? I love your blog. You’re on my sidebar blog reader/ticker thingy. I stop by just about everyday … hmmm.
I resolve to comment more frequently in 2012!
Happy New Year!
Kelly at My Colorful Cottage says
looks delicious! one of my favorite breakfasts to make (and eat) also!
Tommy says
This looks SO good! I am definitely bookmarking it. It was great meeting you this year, and I hope to see you again soon! Happy New Year!
Leslie says
YUM! Guess what’s for breakfast!? Happy New Year, sugar!!
Christina Patterson says
I made this is morning and posted a picture on my blog.. but lets just say the beau ate 2 full plates of it and “suggested” I make it everyday.. THANKS..
Coastal Cottage Dreams says
Your strata looks delicious! What a nice brunch idea!