The short answer: strata is an overnight bread and egg casserole: cube sturdy bread, add cheese and mix-ins, pour on egg-milk custard, chill, then bake until the center hits 160°F.
- Key numbers: 8 cups bread cubes · 8 eggs · 2 cups milk · 2 cups cheese · 9x13 pan · 160°F center
- Top moves: day-old bread, overnight soak, press cubes under custard, bake until set
- Free and paid next step: get the free recipe book starter pages (we email it to you), or save your mix-ins in the Family Recipe Binder ($6.99).
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Amounts and methods for this strata recipe were checked November 6, 2026.
Strata ingredients (9x13 pan, 8 to 10 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sturdy bread, cubed | 8 cups (about 1 pound) | Day-old French, Italian or sourdough |
| Eggs | 8 large | |
| Milk | 2 cups | Whole or 2% |
| Shredded cheese | 2 cups | Cheddar, Gruyere or mix |
| Cooked breakfast sausage or bacon | 1 pound cooked, crumbled | Optional; cook sausage to 160°F |
| Onion | 1 small, diced | Sautéed |
| Spinach or broccoli | 2 cups cooked, drained | Squeeze spinach dry |
| Dijon mustard | 1 teaspoon | Optional in custard |
| Salt and black pepper | 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper | Adjust to taste |
| Butter | For the pan |
How to make overnight strata
- Cook mix-ins. Brown sausage to 160°F if using. Sauté onion. Cook and drain greens well.
- Butter a 9x13 dish. Scatter half the bread cubes. Add half the cheese and mix-ins. Repeat with remaining bread, cheese and mix-ins.
- Make the custard. Whisk eggs, milk, mustard, salt and pepper until even.
- Pour and press. Pour custard evenly over the dish. Press bread down with a spatula so every cube gets wet.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight (8 to 12 hours).
- Bake. Heat oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered 45 to 55 minutes until puffed, golden and the center reaches 160°F. Rest 10 minutes before cutting.
Wash tools that touched raw eggs or raw sausage in hot, soapy water.
Money-saving tip: strata is built for leftover bread heels and end-of-week vegetables; stale bread works better than fresh soft loaves.
Mix-in ideas
| Style | Add |
|---|---|
| Classic sausage | Breakfast sausage, cheddar, onion |
| Spinach and Gruyere | Spinach, Gruyere, nutmeg pinch |
| Mushroom | Sautéed mushrooms, Swiss, thyme |
| Veggie loaded | Peppers, onion, broccoli, cheddar |
| Ham and Swiss | Diced ham, Swiss, mustard in custard |
For a sweet brunch bake instead, see French toast casserole. For a crust-based egg bake, see quiche. For faster egg mornings, see egg bites and scrambled eggs.
Fixes for soggy or dry strata
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Soggy center | Underbaked / watery vegetables | Bake to 160°F; drain greens |
| Dry edges | Overbaked / not enough custard | Tent with foil; check early |
| Mushy texture | Soft sandwich bread | Use sturdy day-old bread |
| Bland | Under-seasoned custard | Salt the custard; use flavorful cheese |
| Collapsed | Cut too soon | Rest 10 minutes |
What to serve with strata
- Fresh fruit
- Simple green salad for brunch
- Hot sauce, salsa or ketchup on the side
- Coffee and juice
Strata fits a high protein breakfast weekend and pairs with other breakfast ideas.
Storing, reheating and freezing
Refrigerate within 2 hours. USDA guidance says cooked leftovers keep 3 to 4 days. Reheat squares in a 325°F oven or microwave until hot (160°F).
For freezing, FoodSafety.gov cold food storage charts list about 2 to 3 months for best quality. Freeze baked portions, thaw in the fridge and reheat until hot.
Plan the shopping and save the recipe
- Meal Planner & Grocery List, $3.99. Put brunch on the weekly menu so bread, eggs and sausage are home the day you assemble.
- Family Recipe Binder, $6.99. Keep your favorite mix-ins and pan notes with your other family recipes.
Browse more kitchen printables in the printables shop. Pair with meal planning on a budget.
Want free starter pages before you buy a binder? Get the free recipe book pages (we email it to you).
Frequently asked questions
What is a strata? A strata is a savory bread-and-egg casserole. Cubed bread soaks in an egg-and-milk custard with cheese and mix-ins, then bakes until puffed and set. It is often assembled the night before.
How do you make breakfast strata? Butter a baking dish, layer cubed bread with cheese and cooked mix-ins, pour beaten eggs mixed with milk over the top, press the bread down, chill at least 30 minutes or overnight, then bake until the center reaches 160°F and looks set.
What temperature should strata reach? Bake until the center of the egg casserole reaches 160°F, the safe minimum internal temperature for egg dishes on FoodSafety.gov. The top should be golden and the center should not look wet.
Can I make strata the night before? Yes, you can make strata the night before. Assembling ahead lets the bread soak. Cover and refrigerate, then bake in the morning. Add 5 to 10 minutes if the dish goes into the oven cold.
What bread is best for strata? The best bread for strata is day-old sturdy bread such as French, Italian, sourdough or a firm sandwich loaf. Soft squishy bread can turn mushy. Cube it about 1 inch.
Can strata be vegetarian? Yes, strata can be vegetarian. Skip sausage and use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peppers, onions and cheese. Squeeze cooked spinach dry so the custard is not watery.
Strata vs quiche vs French toast casserole? Strata is a bread cube casserole with savory custard. Quiche is an egg custard in a pastry crust. French toast casserole is the sweet cousin with sugar and cinnamon.
How long do leftovers last? USDA guidance says cooked leftovers keep about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat until hot throughout (160°F for egg dishes).
Can I freeze strata? You can freeze baked strata in portions for about 2 to 3 months for best quality per FoodSafety.gov cold storage charts. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat until hot. Texture softens slightly.
Why is my strata soggy? Strata turns soggy from too much milk, soft bread, watery vegetables, or underbaking. Use sturdy bread, drain vegetables, and bake to 160°F in the center.
How do I plan strata for a weekend brunch? The Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has a weekly menu and shopping list, so bread, eggs and sausage are home the day before you assemble.
Where can I save my strata recipe? The Family Recipe Binder ($6.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has fillable recipe pages and dividers for your mix-ins and pan size. It prints at home on US Letter paper.
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Sources
- FoodSafety.gov: Safe minimum internal temperatures foodsafety.gov
- USDA FSIS: Leftovers and food safety fsis.usda.gov
- FoodSafety.gov: Cold food storage charts foodsafety.gov