Savory Mushroom & Herb Cheese Strata
Indulge in a hearty and flavorful start to your day with our Savory Mushroom & Herb Cheese Strata. This delightful breakfast casserole combines a medley of fresh mushrooms and aromatic herbs layered between cubes of crusty bread, all enveloped in a creamy egg mixture. Prepare this dish the night before to infuse the flavors for a deliciously satisfying morning meal. Simply pop it in the oven while you enjoy your coffee, and within an hour, you'll be greeted with a golden-brown strata that's perfect for feeding family or guests. It’s a wonderful way to welcome the day ahead!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Margarine or Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Assorted sliced fresh mushrooms
4 cups (such as oyster, shiitake, button, white, and/or crimini)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounces)
Shredded Fontina cheese
1/4 cup (1 ounce)
Assorted snipped fresh herbs
2 tablespoons (such as basil, oregano, thyme, and/or parsley)
French or Italian bread
5 cups (cubed)
Prosciutto or Canadian bacon
2 ounces (chopped)
Eggs
4 (beaten)
Milk
1 3/4 cups (whole or low-fat)
Single cream or light sour cream
1/2 cup (or use light sour cream)
Dijon-style mustard
1 tablespoon
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Fresh thyme sprig
1 (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2
In a large skillet, melt the margarine or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
3
Stir in the sliced mushrooms and continue to cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and most of their moisture has evaporated. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
In a small mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, Fontina cheese, and snipped fresh herbs. Toss well to incorporate.
5
Grease a 2-quart square baking dish and layer half of the bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Spoon the mushroom mixture over the bread, followed by the cheese mixture and the chopped prosciutto or Canadian bacon.
6
Finish by adding the remaining bread cubes on top.
7
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs or egg substitute, milk, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and pepper until smooth.
8
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and toppings in the dish, ensuring that all components are well-soaked.
9
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
10
When ready to bake, remove the cover and place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
11
Let the strata rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Mushroom & Herb Cheese Strata?
It is a hearty breakfast casserole made by layering bread cubes, sautéed mushrooms, herbs, and cheese, then soaking them in a creamy egg mixture before baking.
What types of mushrooms are best for this recipe?
You can use a variety of fresh mushrooms such as oyster, shiitake, button, white, or crimini for a complex flavor profile.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use either 2 tablespoons of margarine or butter to sauté the onions and mushrooms.
What type of bread should I use?
French or Italian bread is recommended; ensure it is cubed into 5 cups for the best texture.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the strata before baking?
Yes, the strata should be refrigerated for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 24 hours to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture and let the flavors meld.
What cheeses are included in this dish?
The recipe uses a combination of shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded Fontina cheese.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the prosciutto or Canadian bacon to make this a vegetarian-friendly meal.
What herbs are recommended?
A blend of fresh snipped herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley works beautifully.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius) for baking the strata.
How long does the strata need to bake?
Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
Can I use an egg substitute?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of 4 beaten eggs or an equivalent amount of egg substitute.
What kind of milk should I use?
You can use either whole or low-fat milk for the egg mixture.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
The recipe suggests using single cream or light sour cream for the creamy base.
How do I know when the strata is finished cooking?
The strata is done when the top is golden-brown, the center is firm, and a knife comes out clean.
Why should the strata rest after baking?
Resting the strata for 10 minutes allows the custard to set, making it easier to cut into clean squares.
What size baking dish is required?
A 2-quart square baking dish is the ideal size for these ingredients.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs are preferred for flavor, you can use dried herbs by reducing the quantity to about one-third of the fresh amount.
What meat options are suitable?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of chopped prosciutto or Canadian bacon.
How should I garnish the strata?
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic and professional touch.
What is the purpose of the Dijon mustard?
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the egg and milk custard.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, it is an excellent brunch dish because it can be prepared the night before and baked just before serving.
How do I prepare the mushrooms?
Mushrooms should be sliced and sautéed with onion and garlic until tender and their moisture has evaporated.
Can I add other vegetables to this strata?
Absolutely; while not in the original recipe, you could add sautéed spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Is Fontina cheese necessary?
Fontina provides a great melt and mild flavor, but you can substitute it with Gruyere or Provolone if needed.
How should the bread be prepared?
The bread should be cut into bite-sized cubes to ensure even soaking and cooking.
Can I use a different type of onion?
A medium white or yellow onion is standard, but shallots or green onions could offer a different flavor profile.
What if I don't have a 2-quart square dish?
A 9x9 inch baking pan is approximately 2 quarts and would serve as a suitable replacement.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover leftovers and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze the strata?
Yes, you can freeze the baked strata. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw before reheating.
Is this dish considered spicy?
No, it is a savory dish with a very mild heat profile from the black pepper and Dijon mustard.