Breakfast Strata Recipe: Easy Egg & Cheese Bake for Brunch

Breakfast Strata Recipe: Easy Egg & Cheese Bake for Brunch

My Breakfast Strata Story

If you’d told me years ago that I’d wake up excited to make Breakfast Strata, I probably would’ve laughed. Back then, breakfast meant scrambled eggs, burnt toast, and coffee on the run. But one chilly Saturday, I discovered the magic of a make-ahead egg and cheese bake.

It reminded me of my grandmother’s weekend breakfasts. She didn’t own recipe cards—just instincts and love. I remember sitting on her wooden stool, watching her layer bread, eggs, and cheese in her old casserole dish. She’d hum softly and say, “Let it sit, child. Good things soak up flavor.”

That’s what a Breakfast Strata is all about—simple ingredients, a little patience, and a big reward. When you pull it out of the oven, puffed and golden, the smell alone could make the whole neighborhood wander in.

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What Makes This Breakfast Strata So Special

The Foundation:

• 8 large eggs – the base of that fluffy custard.
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk – whole milk gives richness.
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream – adds body.
• 6 cups cubed day-old bread – I use French or sourdough.
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella or Swiss
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup diced cooked ham (or cooked sausage)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – secret touch that brightens flavor.
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Butter, for greasing the dish

Optional Add-ins: chopped spinach, bell peppers, or roasted mushrooms.

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Time Investment

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Chill: 1 hour or overnight
• Bake: 45 minutes
• Total: Around 1 hour 10 minutes

I often prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning—perfect for holidays or lazy Sundays.

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Step 1 – Prepare the Bread

Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread cubed bread evenly inside. Day-old bread works best—it soaks up flavor without getting soggy.

Diana’s Tip: I leave the cubed bread uncovered overnight to dry slightly. Grandma used to say, “A little air makes better soak.”

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Step 2 – Build the Layers

Sprinkle half the cheese over the bread. Add ham and onions evenly on top, then the rest of the cheese.

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Step 3 – Mix the Custard

Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour slowly over the bread and cheese. Press down gently with the back of a spoon so everything gets soaked.

Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.

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Step 4 – Bake the Magic

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover and bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and puffed, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Diana’s Tip: If it’s browning too fast, cover loosely with foil halfway through.

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Step 5 – Rest and Serve

Let it cool for 10 minutes before cutting. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce.

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Why I Love Serving This

This Breakfast Strata is hearty yet balanced—eggs and dairy give protein, bread adds comfort, and the cheese… well, cheese makes everything better.

Per Serving: ~350 calories | Protein 19 g | Fat 22 g | Carbs 18 g

It’s great for crowds, and leftovers taste amazing reheated the next day.

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Making It Your Own

• For Vegetarians: Skip the ham and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
• For a Lighter Version: Use half milk, half unsweetened almond milk.
• For Spice Lovers: Stir in a little diced jalapeño or pepper jack cheese.
• For Extra Crunch: Top with crushed buttery crackers before baking.

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How I Love to Serve This

When guests come for brunch, I serve this Breakfast Strata with fruit salad, orange juice, and a sweet treat like my King’s Hawaiian Cheesecake Danish – Sweet & Fluffy in 30 Minutes.

After one bite, everyone asks for the recipe—and I always tell them to check my Pinterest page for more breakfast ideas.

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Learn from My Kitchen Mistakes

Mistake #1: Using fresh bread—it turns to mush.
Fix: Always use day-old or lightly toasted bread.

Mistake #2: Skipping the chill time.
Fix: The overnight soak gives that creamy interior.

Mistake #3: Overbaking—it dries out quickly!
Fix: Remove from the oven as soon as the center sets.

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Meal Prep Magic

Make Ahead: Assemble the night before; bake in the morning.
Store: Covered in the fridge up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, wrap in foil, freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat: 325°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave single portions 1 minute.