Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 cups of cubed bread (preferably day-old)
- 1 1/2 cups of smoked cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 1/2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Grease the baking dish with cooking spray.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
4. Add the cubed bread to the mixing bowl and stir until the bread is fully coated with the egg mixture.
5. Add the chopped spinach and smoked cheddar cheese to the mixing bowl and stir until evenly distributed.
6. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
9. Let the strata cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50-55 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Total fat: 18g
Saturated fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 200mg
Sodium: 700mg
Total carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Total sugars: 5g
Protein: 19g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Smoked cheddar cheese can be substituted with regular cheddar cheese or any other type of cheese.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or sausage for a meatier version.
- Substitute the spinach with other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Use different types of bread such as sourdough or whole wheat.
Tips and tricks:
- Use day-old bread for best results.
- Let the strata sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the strata on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or fruit for a balanced meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Fresh fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the strata is too dry, add more milk to the egg mixture.
- If the strata is too wet, add more bread to the mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the strata to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator.
Food history:
The strata is a classic American breakfast casserole that originated in the early 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
The smoked cheddar cheese adds a smoky flavor to the dish while the spinach adds a fresh and earthy taste.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the strata for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
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