Breakfast Strata Casserole

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Our breakfast strata casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can fit into any meal plan. This casserole puts a unique twist on the traditional egg breakfast as it layers bread, cremini mushrooms, and eggs to create a delicious masterpiece. This is a perfect make-ahead meal for holiday breakfasts with the family!

single slice of breakfast strata casserole on round white plate next to baking dish

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Breakfast Strata Casserole
What ingredients do I need for Breakfast Strata Casserole?
Kitchen Tools Used
How do I make Breakfast Strata Casserole?
Frequently Asked Questions
More Breakfast Casseroles
Breakfast Strata Casserole

Breakfast Strata Casserole

Breakfast strata casserole can be served for brunch or dinner, depending on your preferences. With only a few simple steps to prepare, this classic breakfast dish can be perfect any morning. It will quickly become one of your favorite dishes for special occasions and everyday meals.

Make it unique for your family by using different fillings. This one is a vegetable strata with just the eggs and mushrooms, but you could add in cooked sausage, ham, or bacon if you prefer. It would even work with some cooked onions or bell peppers.

Want a bit of sweetness with all of this savory? Check out our cinnamon roll casserole or this tasty brioche French toast casserole instead.

mushroom and onion breakfast strata in white baking dish

What ingredients do I need for Breakfast Strata Casserole?

4 tablespoons butter (56.7g)
10 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (300g)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chili flakes (2.5g)
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves (2.5g)
6 cups bread, cut into cubes - preferably stale
1 cup white cheddar, divided (120g)
1 cup yellow cheddar, divided (120g)
4 eggs
2 cups milk (473ml)
¼ cup sliced scallions (35g)
Salt to taste

white bowls in various sizes that are filled with ingredients for strata all sitting on cutting board

Kitchen Tools Used

white plate on table with slice of mushroom breakfast bake on top

How do I make Breakfast Strata Casserole?

Video Recipe:

Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C and lightly spray a 9"x13" baking dish with non-stick spray or grease with butter then set it aside.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Then add and cook the mushrooms for 10 minutes or until browned and reduced. Stir these regularly for even cooking and to make sure none stick or burn.

mushrooms in skillet on top of hot plate

Season the mushrooms with chili flakes, dried thyme, and salt. Add in the minced garlic, and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Mix the cubed stale bread, mushrooms, ¾ cup yellow cheddar, and ¾ cup white cheddar along with the scallions in a large bowl. Then, pour it into the prepared baking pan and set it aside.

glass bowl of vegetables with spinach on top sitting on gray table

Whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt in a large bowl. I used ½ teaspoon salt but you can add more or less to taste.

milk being poured into glass bowl with eggs

Pour the egg mixture over the bread, pressing slightly to soak all slices.

strata in baking dish sitting on cutting board before baking

If baking the next day, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let the casserole come to room temperature before baking, if using a glass or ceramic pan.

Add the remaining cheese to the top of the casserole before baking.

Bake casserole for 1 hour, covering with foil for the first 30 minutes. The eggs should be jiggly but set in the center.

large baking dish with white trim filled with baked strata sitting on gray table by wood fork and white napkin

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare Breakfast Strata Casserole the night before?

Yes. Breakfast strata casserole is a great make-ahead recipe. This is a great way to save time in the morning. It can be made at night and refrigerated overnight to bake the next morning.

All you need to do is add the ingredients, cover it with foil, and pop the baking dish into the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, uncover it, and bake as directed.

Note: If going from refrigerator to oven, make sure you assemble in an aluminum pan rather than glass or ceramic. Drastic heat changes, from refrigerated to in a hot oven, are a problem that can cause these pans to explode.

How long does it take to bake Breakfast Strata Casserole?

It takes about an hour to bake the breakfast strata casserole. This is part of what creates the texture and flavor of the strata casserole. For the first 30 minutes while the casserole is baking, have it covered. Then remove the cover and continue to cook for another 30 minutes.

This baking time is also for this particular-sized baking dish. If you use a smaller dish, the mixture will be thicker and will take longer to cook all the way through.

What are some variations of Breakfast Strata Casserole?

Breakfast Strata Casserole can be customized to your tastes. You can add different meats, spices, and cheeses for a unique flavor.

Some popular variations include bacon and cheddar cheese or ham and Swiss cheese. Sausage, spinach, bell peppers, and onions are other great additions. Or, add in your favorite vegetables like kale, zucchini, and tomatoes.

You can even use different types of bread. Sourdough, French, and Italian bread can be used to add different flavors. Even French toast can be used. And if you want something super savory, look for cheese or herbed bread for this recipe.

Can Breakfast Strata Casserole be reheated?

Yes. Breakfast strata casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

To reheat it in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C and then place the strata casserole into a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

To reheat it in the microwave, cut the strata into individual servings, place them on a microwave-safe plate, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

white and orange baking dish filled with baked breakfast strata sitting on gray table

More Breakfast Casseroles

Sometimes you just need to start your day with comfort food. When that is the case, one of these breakfast casseroles is a perfect choice. Savory dishes filled with flavor and perfect for sharing! Take a moment to bookmark your favorites from the list. You can also print out the recipes, or pin them to Pinterest to make soon!

Yield: 6

Breakfast Strata Casserole

Make a savory breakfast strata casserole as an indulgent make-ahead breakfast loaded with rich egg and cheese flavor paired with earthy mushrooms!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter (56.7g)
10 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (300g)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chili flakes (2.5g)
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves (2.5g)
6 cups bread, cut into cubes - preferably stale
1 cup white cheddar, divided (120g)
1 cup yellow cheddar, divided (120g)
4 eggs
2 cups milk (473ml)
¼ cup sliced scallions (35g)
Salt to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 180C/350F.
In a large pan, heat butter over medium heat. Cook mushrooms for 10 minutes or until browned. Season with salt, chili flakes, garlic, and thyme. Cook for 1 more minute.
In a large bowl, mix bread, mushrooms, both cheeses, and scallions. Transfer to a baking pan.
Whisk eggs, milk, and salt in a separate bowl.
Pour egg mixture over the bread, pressing slightly to soak all slices.
Bake casserole for 1 hour, covering with foil for the first 30 minutes. Or, refrigerate overnight before baking.

Notes

When adding salt to this recipe, I recommend starting with ½ teaspoon in the mushrooms and ½ teaspoon in the eggs. You can always sprinkle with salt and black pepper before serving if needed.