Jewish > Challah Bread

Challah Bread and Cheese Strata Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 loaf of challah bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.

3. Arrange the sliced challah bread in the baking dish, overlapping the slices slightly.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well.

5. Spread the cheese mixture over the bread slices, making sure to cover all the bread.

6. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.

7. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and cheese layers.

8. Press down on the bread with a spatula to make sure all the bread is soaked in the egg mixture.

9. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the strata.

10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.

12. Let the strata cool for 5 minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 420
Total fat: 28g
Saturated fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 230mg
Sodium: 780mg
Total carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 5g
Protein: 19g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of bread can be used instead of challah bread.
- Any type of cheese can be used instead of cheddar and mozzarella.
- Half-and-half or heavy cream can be used instead of whole milk.

Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or sausage to the strata for a meatier version.
- Add chopped vegetables like spinach, onions, or bell peppers for a more colorful and nutritious version.

Tips and tricks:
- Let the strata sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the egg mixture to set.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the strata in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the strata on a platter with fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled on top.

Garnishes:
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Pairings:
Serve with a fresh green salad or fruit salad.

Suggested side dishes:
Fresh green salad or fruit salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the top of the strata is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking until the egg mixture is set.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the strata until the egg mixture is set and the internal temperature reaches 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Strata is a popular breakfast or brunch dish that originated in the United States in the 1980s.

Flavor profiles:
The strata is savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy from the Dijon mustard.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the strata as a main dish for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

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Region: Israeli

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Rich, Comforting, Eggy