Savory Spinach and Gruyere Strata
This Savory Spinach and Gruyere Strata is a delightful one-dish meal that brings together the rich flavors of melted Gruyere cheese, tender spinach, and creamy egg custard, all enveloped in luscious bread. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or special occasions, this dish can easily be prepared in advance, allowing the ingredients to meld together for deeper flavors. Despite its seemingly long preparation time, this strata is straightforward to assemble and bakes beautifully into a golden, comforting centerpiece that your guests will adore. Enjoy the distinct taste of freshly grated nutmeg and a hint of Dijon mustard that elevates the entire dish into something extraordinary. Serve warm and watch everyone eagerly coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen spinach
10 ounces (thawed and squeezed dry)
Onion
1 1/2 cups (finely chopped (1 large))
Unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (divided)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (divided)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly grated)
French or Italian bread
8 cups (cut into 1-inch cubes (1/2 lb))
Gruyere cheese
6 ounces (coarsely grated (2 cups))
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 ounces (finely grated (1 cup))
Milk
2 3/4 cups (whole or 2%)
Eggs
9 large (beaten)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spinach and Gruyere Strata?
Savory Spinach and Gruyere Strata is a one-dish meal featuring melted Gruyere cheese, tender spinach, and creamy egg custard layered with bread.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for brunch, dinner, or special occasions due to its comforting and sophisticated flavor profile.
Can I prepare this strata in advance?
Yes, this dish can be prepared ahead of time to allow the ingredients to meld together for deeper and richer flavors.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 6 ounces of Gruyere cheese and 2 ounces of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
How many eggs are required?
This strata recipe requires 9 large beaten eggs to create the luscious custard base.
What kind of bread should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of French or Italian bread cut into 1-inch cubes, which is roughly half a pound.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
How do I prepare the spinach?
You should use 10 ounces of frozen spinach that has been thawed and squeezed completely dry.
What role does Dijon mustard play in the strata?
Dijon mustard adds a hint of tanginess that elevates the overall dish into something extraordinary.
Why is nutmeg included?
Freshly grated nutmeg provides a distinct flavor that complements the spinach and creamy egg custard.
What type of milk is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2 3/4 cups of either whole milk or 2% milk.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped onion, which is typically one large onion.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
How is the Parmigiano-Reggiano prepared?
The Parmigiano-Reggiano should be finely grated, resulting in about 1 cup of cheese.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The strata bakes into a golden, comforting centerpiece with a soft, custard-like interior.
Is the preparation complicated?
No, the assembly is straightforward, though it requires some time for the flavors to develop.
What size should the bread cubes be?
The bread should be cut into 1-inch cubes for the best texture and absorption.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, which is divided throughout the cooking process.
Can I use ground pepper?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of divided black pepper.
How should the Gruyere be grated?
The Gruyere should be coarsely grated, yielding about 2 cups of cheese.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Absolutely, it is designed as a delightful one-dish meal that is very filling.
What makes the custard 'luscious'?
The combination of 9 large eggs and whole or 2% milk creates a rich and creamy texture.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 12 specific ingredients required to make this strata.
Is the nutmeg ground or fresh?
The recipe recommends using 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include strata, spinach, cheese, gruyere, brunch, savory, comfort food, and make-ahead.
How should the strata be served?
It should be served warm as a golden and comforting centerpiece.
Why must the spinach be squeezed dry?
Squeezing the spinach dry ensures that excess moisture doesn't make the custard watery.
What type of meal is a strata?
A strata is a savory bread pudding-style casserole made with eggs, cheese, and vegetables.
Can I use different types of bread?
While French or Italian bread is recommended, any sturdy white bread that can absorb custard will work.
Does this recipe include meat?
No, this is a vegetarian recipe featuring spinach and cheese as the primary flavors.