Mushroom Herb Breakfast Strata

Strata takes its name from the layered build that turns stale bread into a savory egg bake. This American brunch classic folds sautéed cremini and shiitake with Gruyère and fresh herbs into a make-ahead casserole made for sharing.

Serves 6 · 25 min prep · 55 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 410 cal
• 22g protein
• 28g carbs
• 23g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 8 cups cubed day-old crusty bread
• 12 ounces mixed fresh mushrooms (cremini and shiitake)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. 1Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or oil and scatter the bread cubes evenly across the bottom.
2. 2Clean the mushrooms and slice them thickly; mince the garlic.
3. 3Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter and olive oil, then sauté the mushrooms until they release their liquid and turn golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.
4. 4Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper during the last minute of cooking so the garlic becomes fragrant without burning.
5. 5Scatter the sautéed mushrooms and most of the Gruyère evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
6. 6In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk until smooth and slightly frothy, then stir in the chopped parsley and sliced green onions.
7. 7Pour the egg mixture slowly over the bread and mushrooms, pressing gently with a spatula so every cube soaks up custard.
8. 8Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the bread fully absorb the liquid.
9. 9When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F and remove the strata from the fridge while the oven heats.
10. 10Uncover, top with the remaining cheese, and bake 40 to 45 minutes until the center is set, the top is puffed and golden, and a knife inserted comes out clean.
11. 11Rest the strata 10 minutes so it firms up for clean slices, then cut into squares and serve warm.