Cheesy Asparagus Breakfast Bake
Start your day off right with this delicious Cheesy Asparagus Breakfast Bake, featuring tender asparagus and rich Jarlsberg cheese layered between fluffy bread cubes. This satisfying strata is perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or simply a cozy breakfast at home. Prepare it the night before for easy, hassle-free morning meal prep, and serve it warm with a dollop of sour cream to enhance the delightful flavors. Enjoy this crowd-pleaser that combines the freshness of vegetables with the comfort of cheesy goodness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Firm white bread
4 cups (cubed)
Asparagus
8 stalks (peeled and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces)
Jarlsberg cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded, divided)
Fresh cilantro or parsley
1/4 cup (chopped (optional))
Large eggs
6 (beaten)
Low-fat milk
1 1/2 cups
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Sour cream
1 (8-ounce) container
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the firm white bread cubes, chopped asparagus, 1 cup of shredded Jarlsberg cheese, and fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs, low-fat milk, and salt until well blended.
5
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and asparagus mixture, stirring gently to ensure all the bread is soaked.
6
Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese.
7
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
8
When ready to bake, uncover the dish and place it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing into 6 rectangles. Serve warm with a generous dollop of sour cream on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Asparagus Breakfast Bake?
It is a savory strata made with bread cubes, fresh asparagus, and rich Jarlsberg cheese.
What type of bread should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of firm white bread, cubed.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
Peel 8 stalks of asparagus and cut them diagonally into 1-inch pieces.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Jarlsberg cheese is recommended for its rich flavor, though you can substitute with other shredded cheeses.
Are there any fresh herbs in the recipe?
Yes, you can include 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe uses 6 large eggs, beaten.
What kind of milk is used for the egg mixture?
The recipe specifies 1 1/2 cups of low-fat milk.
How much salt should I add?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the egg and milk mixture.
What size baking dish is needed?
Use a 9-inch square baking dish for this breakfast bake.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
What is the first step in combining the ingredients?
In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes, chopped asparagus, 1 cup of cheese, and optional herbs together.
How is the egg mixture prepared?
Whisk the eggs, milk, and salt in a separate small bowl until well blended.
When do I add the egg mixture to the bread?
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and asparagus, stirring gently to ensure the bread is fully soaked.
Do I use all the cheese at once?
No, use 1 cup in the mixture and save the remaining 1/2 cup to sprinkle on top before refrigerating.
Does this recipe require refrigeration before baking?
Yes, it should be refrigerated for at least a few hours or overnight.
Why is the dish refrigerated overnight?
Refrigeration allows the flavors to meld and ensures the bread is properly soaked in the egg mixture.
How should I cover the dish in the refrigerator?
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Should I use a baking sheet under the dish?
Yes, place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
How long does the bake take to cook?
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the breakfast bake is done?
The top should be golden brown and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
How should the dish be cooled?
Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields approximately 6 rectangular servings.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it warm with a generous dollop of sour cream on the side.
Is this a vegetarian-friendly recipe?
Yes, this is a vegetarian casserole featuring vegetables, eggs, bread, and cheese.
Can I prepare this for a brunch event?
Absolutely, its make-ahead nature makes it perfect for brunch and gatherings.
Is the cilantro required?
No, the fresh cilantro or parsley is optional and can be omitted based on preference.
What is the texture of the finished bake?
The bake is characterized by fluffy bread cubes and tender asparagus.
Can I use whole milk instead of low-fat?
Yes, whole milk can be used for a richer flavor profile.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.