Coastal Delight Seafood Strata
Indulge in a delicious twist on the classic brunch strata with our Coastal Delight Seafood Strata. This delectable dish combines the savory flavors of fresh crabmeat, succulent shrimp, and hearty artichokes, all nestled between layers of flavorful pesto-infused bread and creamy Swiss cheese. The combination of earthy mushrooms and fragrant green onions adds depth to each bite. Perfect for entertaining, this dish can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free brunch with family and friends. Simply let it chill overnight and bake it in the morning for a satisfying and impressive meal that will delight any seafood lover.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
fresh sliced mushrooms
3 cups (sliced)
green onion
1/3 cup (sliced)
raw shrimp
1/2 pound (shelled and deveined)
white bread
6 slices (pesto spread and cut into cubes)
pesto sauce
3 tablespoons (store-bought)
swiss cheese
2 cups (shredded)
crabmeat
1 (6 ounce) can (drained well)
artichoke hearts
1 (14 ounce) can (drained and quartered)
large eggs
6 (beaten)
milk
1 1/2 cups (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Set aside.
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and green onions, sautéing until they are well tenderized, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
3
Add the raw shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
4
Spread 3 slices of white bread with pesto sauce. Layer them with the remaining bread and press gently to create thick sandwiches. Cut each sandwich into small cubes.
5
Layer half of the pesto bread cubes in the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Follow with half of the shredded Swiss cheese.
6
Distribute the sautéed mushroom and shrimp mixture evenly over the cheese, then add the drained crabmeat and quartered artichoke hearts.
7
Top the filling with the remaining bread cubes and sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese on top.
8
In a mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, salt, and cayenne pepper until well combined. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers in the casserole, ensuring each piece of bread is moistened. You may need to gently press down to encourage even soaking.
9
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
10
Remove the cover and bake the strata in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
11
Let the strata rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 12 squares. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful seafood brunch casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coastal Delight Seafood Strata?
It is a savory brunch casserole featuring shrimp, crabmeat, artichokes, and pesto-infused bread in a creamy Swiss cheese and egg custard.
How many servings does this seafood strata recipe make?
The recipe yields approximately 12 squares when sliced.
What temperature should the oven be set to for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
What type of seafood is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 pound of raw shrimp (shelled and deveined) and 6 ounces of drained crabmeat.
How do I prepare the bread for the strata?
Spread pesto sauce on three slices of white bread, top with three more slices to make sandwiches, and then cut them into small cubes.
Does the strata need to be prepared in advance?
Yes, it is a make-ahead dish that should be refrigerated overnight or for at least 8 hours.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms and green onions?
Sauté them in butter for approximately 5-7 minutes until they are well tenderized.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this dish?
The recipe specifically uses 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese.
How long do the shrimp need to cook in the skillet?
Cook the raw shrimp for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink.
What are the ingredients in the egg mixture?
The mixture consists of 6 large beaten eggs, 1 1/2 cups of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
How should the artichoke hearts be prepared?
Use a 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts, drain them thoroughly, and cut them into quarters.
How do I layer the ingredients in the dish?
Layer half the bread cubes, half the cheese, the shrimp and mushroom mixture, crabmeat, artichokes, the rest of the bread, and finally the rest of the cheese.
How long does the strata take to bake?
It takes between 35 and 40 minutes in a 350°F oven.
How can I check if the strata is fully cooked?
Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the strata is finished baking.
Should the strata rest before serving?
Yes, let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to make slicing easier.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 3 tablespoons of store-bought pesto sauce.
What should I do after pouring the egg mixture over the bread?
Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure every piece is moistened by the liquid.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a very mild kick from 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but it is not considered a spicy dish.
Do I need to cover the dish in the refrigerator?
Yes, cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating it overnight.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of melted butter for sautéing the vegetables.
What type of bread is used?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of standard white bread.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
This recipe uses 6 large eggs.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, it is important to grease the 9x13 inch casserole dish before assembling the layers.
Can I use fresh mushrooms?
Yes, the recipe specifies 3 cups of fresh sliced mushrooms.
How much milk is required for the custard?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of milk.
What kind of crabmeat should I buy?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce can of crabmeat, drained well.
Is this dish suitable for a holiday brunch?
Yes, its make-ahead nature and impressive seafood ingredients make it perfect for entertaining.
What is the primary flavor profile of this strata?
It features earthy mushrooms, fragrant green onions, savory seafood, and herbal pesto notes.
Can I serve this warm?
Yes, the recipe recommends serving the squares warm for the best experience.