Easy Strata & Variations
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Obtain and set aside:
12 slices of fluffy white bread
Thinly slice and set aside:
3 medium sized scallions (1/2 cup)
Grate and set aside:
12 oz. sharp cheddar cheese
Prepare meats and/or vegetables
(1 pound of each, OR 2 pounds of one)
(see listing of ingredient options below)
Mix together:
1 quart half-and-half
1 dozen eggs
1 teaspoon salt
several grinds of fresh pepper
Spray a 9-by-13-inch Pyrex or ceramic baking dish with vegetable cooking spray.
Line the bottom of the baking dish with:
6 slices of fluffy white bread
If you are using meats and/or vegetables,
scatter half of them over the bread
{see listing of ingredient options below)
Sprinkle with
half of the scallions and half of the grated cheese
Pour over the top of the layer:
1 cup of the egg mixture
Repeat layers with remaining: 6 slices of bread, meat, vegetables, scallions and cheese.
Slowly pour:
remaining egg mixture evenly over the top.
Cover with plastic wrap. Place a flat object on top of the mixture. Then place 3 16-ounce cans on top of that to weight this mixture down for 15 minutes. This allows the egg mixture to be absorbed into the bread.
Bake at 325 degrees until custard is just set, about 50 minutes.
Turn on broiler and broil until strata is spotty brown and puffy (watch carefully), about 5 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes, then serve immediately.
VEGETABLE OPTIONS
MUSHROOMS OR BELL PEPPERS
Slice and sauté in 1 Tb. olive oil. Salt.
BABY SPINACH
Steam, covered, with 1 Tb. oil and salt until wilted, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain.
FROZEN CORN
Thaw and drain.
ASPARAGUS
Cut in 1-inch pieces. Steam, covered, with 1 Tb. oil, salt and 1/3 cup water, 3 to 4 minutes. Uncover and cook off liquid.
|
MEAT OPTIONS
BACON
Cut into 1/2-inch pieces and fry until crisp. Drain well.
SAUSAGE
Fry bulk breakfast or Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain.
HAM
Cut into small dice.
KIELBASA
Thinly slice.
CRAB
Pick over pasteurized backfin crab for shell and cartilage.
|
NOTE: This casserole can be refrigerated overnight. Cover with plastic wrap, bring to room temperature before baking.
|
