Ina Garten Breakfast Strata
A strata is essentially a baked bread and egg casserole. Cubed bread is layered with fillings and soaked in a custard mixture. After resting—preferably overnight—the bread absorbs the liquid completely. When baked, the edges become lightly golden while the centre stays tender and soft.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 50
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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Day-old brioche or French bread, cubed (1 large loaf, about 450 g)
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Large eggs (8)
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Whole milk (2 cups)
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Heavy cream (1 cup)
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Grated Gruyère or Cheddar cheese (1½ cups)
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Cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables (1½ cups total)
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Onion, finely chopped (1 medium)
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Olive oil or butter (2 tablespoons)
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Kosher salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste)
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Black pepper (½ teaspoon)
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Fresh herbs such as parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the baking dish – Grease the dish generously with butter or olive oil.
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Cook aromatics – Sauté onion in olive oil until soft and translucent.
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Layer the bread – Spread half of the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
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Add fillings – Scatter half of the cooked bacon or vegetables and cheese over the bread.
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Repeat layering – Add remaining bread and top with the rest of the fillings and cheese.
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Make the custard – Whisk eggs, milk, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Assemble – Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread mixture. Press down gently so everything absorbs the liquid.
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Rest overnight – Cover and refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours.
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Bake until golden – Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 45–55 minutes until puffed and set.
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Rest before serving – Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
Find it online: https://inagartendishes.com/ina-garten-breakfast-strata/