Italian-Style Strata Brunch Casserole |
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Prep Time: 240 Minutes Cook Time: 40 Minutes |
Ready In: 280 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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Plan ahead the casserole needs to chill for a minimum of 4 hours or up to 24 hours before baking, which makes this a perfect casserole to serve as a weekend brunch for family or guests as you can prepare a day ahead. You can also use cooked Italian sausage meat in place of the ham. Ingredients:
1 loaf bread (use italian or french-style unsliced bread, cut into 1-inch cubes) |
5 ounces prosciutto (thickly sliced and diced) or 5 ounces ham (thickly sliced and diced) |
1/2 cup canned roasted red pepper, chopped |
2 green onions, finely chopped |
1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided |
1 (14 ounce) can chopped tomatoes, drained |
3/4 cup sliced black olives (or use less) |
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (can use less or to taste) |
6 large eggs |
3 cups full-fat milk |
2 teaspoons dried italian seasoning |
1 pinch cayenne pepper |
seasoning salt (or use white salt) |
black pepper |
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley |
2 -3 tablespoons capers (optional) |
Directions:
1. Grease a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish.
2. Spread half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Top evenly with the prosciutto or ham cubes, then the chopped roasted red peppers, then green onions and then sprinkle with about 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
4. Spread the remaining bread cubes on top, then tomatoes, then olives and the the mozzarella cheese.
5. In a bowl whisk together the eggs, full-fat milk, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, seasoned salt and black pepper.
6. Pour over the layered ingredients.
7. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (or to taste) over the top.
8. Cover and chill for a minimum of 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
9. When ready to bake set oven to 325°F.
10. Bake for about 40-50 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned.
11. Sprinkle with capers (if using) and parsley.
12. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
13. Serve warm or room temperature.
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