Mushroom Herb Breakfast Strata

Named for its layered build, strata is an American brunch classic that soaks day-old bread in rich custard overnight. Earthy cremini and shiitake mushrooms meet fresh herbs and sharp cheeses in this shareable make-ahead bake.

Serves 6 · 25 min prep · 55 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 420 cal
• 22g protein
• 28g carbs
• 25g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 8 cups cubed day-old crusty bread
• 12 oz cremini mushrooms
• 4 oz shiitake mushrooms
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 2 tbsp leaves fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. 1Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with a thin film of butter so the strata releases cleanly after baking.
2. 2Trim and slice the cremini and shiitake mushrooms. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
3. 3Heat the olive oil and remaining butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the mushrooms in a single layer and cook undisturbed 3 to 4 minutes so they brown deeply.
4. 4Stir in the onion and continue cooking 5 to 6 minutes until the mushrooms release their liquid, the liquid evaporates, and everything turns golden and fragrant. Add the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute more until aromatic, then remove from heat.
5. 5Scatter half the bread cubes in the prepared dish. Spoon half the mushroom mixture over the bread and sprinkle with half of both cheeses. Repeat the layers with remaining bread, mushrooms, and cheese.
6. 6In a large bowl whisk the eggs, milk, cream, Dijon, and a pinch more pepper until fully blended and slightly frothy.
7. 7Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and mushrooms, pressing gently with a spatula so every cube soaks up liquid. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to overnight so the bread softens completely.
8. 8When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Uncover the dish and bake 45 to 55 minutes until the top is puffed, deeply golden, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean with no liquid custard.
9. 9Rest the strata 10 minutes so it sets for clean slices. Scatter fresh parsley over the top, cut into generous squares, and serve family-style straight from the pan while still warm.