Make-Ahead Cheesy Spinach and Egg Strata |
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Prep Time: 480 Minutes Cook Time: 45 Minutes |
Ready In: 525 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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If you are a spinach lover, then you will have to try this recipe! I have made this many times to serve at a brunch get together (I always make two of these to serve at a brunch!) Plan ahead this dish needs to chill for a minimum of 8 hours or up to 24 hours or until the custard is absorbed in the bread. You can really use any cheese that you wish I find that either asiago or Gruyere are the best! If you don't want a strong spinach taste then use only one box of frozen spinach. To save time make the spinach/mushroom filling up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate, just warm slightly in the microwave before layering in the strata. You will LOVE this! Ingredients:
2 (10 ounce) boxes frozen spinach (well drained, squeeze out any excess moisture with hands) |
6 tablespoons butter |
1 lb fresh button mushroom, sliced (can use more or less) |
1 large onion, finely chopped |
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste) |
2 teaspoons seasoning salt (or use white salt) |
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste or use black pepper) |
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg |
8 cups french bread (cut into 1-inch cubes) |
3 cups asiago cheese (or to taste) or 3 cups gruyere cheese, shredded (or to taste) |
1 cup grated parmesan cheese |
1 cup half-and-half cream |
1 3/4 cups full-fat milk (or use 2-3/4 cups all half and half cream) |
9 large eggs |
2 tablespoons dijon mustard |
Directions:
1. Squeeze out as much of the moisture as possible from the spinach, then chop finely.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add in the fresh mushrooms and saute for about 10-12 minutes, or until they loose their moisture completely; remove to a bowl.
4. Add in onion with nutmeg, salt and cayenne and saute for 5 minutes (adding in the garlic the last few minutes) then stir in the chopped spinach; saute for 2 minutes.
5. Transfer the mixture to the bowl with the mushrooms; mix to combine slightly.
6. Butter a 4-quart casserole dish.
7. Spread 1/3 of the cubed bread into the prepared baking dish.
8. Top with 1/3 of the spinach/mushroom mixture.
9. Sprinkle with 1/3 of BOTH cheeses.
10. Repeat layering twice (ending with the cheeses).
11. In a bowl whisk together half and half, milk, eggs, mustard.
12. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the strata in the baking dish.
13. Cover with plastic and chill for about 8 hours or up to 24 hours or until the bread is absorbed in the milk.
14. When ready to bake, let the dish stay out at room temperature for about 40 minutes before baking.
15. Set oven to 350°F (second-lowest oven rack).
16. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
17. Delicious!
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