This strata is a layered casserole that's packed with savory ingredients and can be prepared in advance. It's the perfect dish for Sunday brunch.
My Spinach, Mushroom and Gruyere Strata is a perfect dish for Sunday brunch. A strata is a layered casserole made with cubed bread, eggs, cheese and other ingredients like vegetables or meat. It’s similar to a savory bread pudding and it’s definitely a comfort food. The beauty of making a strata is that you can toss in whatever ingredients you have on hand and you can prepare it all the night before. In the morning, simply bake it and serve it straight out of the oven while it’s hot and puffed up.
Day-old or stale bread works best to soak up the custard. I used a multigrain loaf from my local bakery and left it out overnight. You can also bake individual portions in a muffin pan and then you'll have a convenient and healthy grab-and-go breakfast for the rest of the week.
Spinach, Mushroom and Gruyere Strata
Ingredients
- 10 ounces day-old or stale whole grain bread cut into ¾-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped shallots
- 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 box (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon pepper, divided
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups low fat milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 ounces grated Gruyere cheese, divided
Instructions
- Place the bread in a large bowl. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook 1-2 minutes until tender. Add the mushrooms and cook, 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add the spinach and stir to combine. Season the mixture with the thyme, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Transfer the mixture to the bowl with the bread and mix the ingredients together.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper and about ¾ of the cheese together in another bowl.
- Spray a 8x12-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the bread and vegetable mixture to the dish, spreading it out evenly. Pour the egg mixture over the top and gently press the bread down into the liquid. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Alternatively, to make individual portions, divide the mixture between the cups of a muffin pan (it will make about 16 portions so you may need two pans).
- Let the mixture sit while you preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Alternatively, the dish can be prepared the night before and allowed to soak in the refrigerator overnight.
- Bake strata in the oven uncovered for 50-60 minutes (30-40 minutes if using a muffin pan) until it is puffed up and golden brown. Cut into pieces and serve.
Nutrition
T. Ring says
I am going to make this. Am I able to make this a day ahead and freeze it? I want to take it on a road trip. Thanks!
sonaliruder says
Hi! Yes, you can freeze it. I would assemble the dish, cover it with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze it without baking it. When you’re ready to cook it, first thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then let it come to room temperature and bake as directed in the recipe. I hope you love it!
T. Ring says
Thank you so much! I didn't think about using plastic and foil. I am going to assemble in a large Pyrex baking dish that also came with a lid and a travel case. I was going to pull it out of the freezer and put into an ice chest the day we drive 2 hours to our destination. I will report back. 😉
Unknown says
Could I use a bag of fresh spinach?
sonaliruder says
Yes, definitely!
Lisa Lin says
Sonali, you are definitely reading my mind! I was just thinking about making some time of egg casserole dish the other day. Love the gruyere in this!
Gramma Audrey says
Made it with egg whites. YUMM!!
sonaliruder says
Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Rob says
Thanks. I've been teaching myself to cook and yours has become my favorite website resource. Love the recipes and education you provide.
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much! This really means a lot to me!
Rob says
Eggbeaters perhaps?
sonaliruder says
Yes, egg beaters would work. Or leave out half of the egg yolks (4) and add 4 more egg whites.
Rob says
Can I swap out the eggs for something else? Trying to watch my cholesterol.
Lyuba @ Will Cook For Smiles says
Gorgeous all around!! This strata sounds fantastic! Love the flavor combo here 🙂
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much! I'm so glad we connected, I love your blog!
ur says
Sounds like a great brunch recipe with all the important nutritional ingredients.
Definitely going to try it.
sonaliruder says
Thanks for stopping by- I hope you like it!