Jill’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Strata
📜 Collection: JillCollection | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Breakfast A classic make-ahead breakfast or brunch casserole featuring cubed white bread and cheddar cheese soaked in an egg custard, then baked until puffed and golden. Perfect for effortless morning entertaining.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 1 hour | None | 6–8 servings |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Casserole dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 10 slices | White Bread | Crusts removed, cubed |
| 3/4 pound | Cheddar Cheese | Shredded or cubed |
| 6 large | Eggs | Beaten |
| 2 cups | Milk | None |
| 3/4 teaspoon | Salt | None |
| 1 dash | Pepper | None |
| As needed | Butter | Or shortening, for greasing |
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Mix Custard
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Generously grease a casserole dish with butter or shortening.
- Remove the crusts from the 8 to 10 slices white bread and cut the bread into 1-inch cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the 6 large eggs well. Whisk in the 2 cups milk, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 dash pepper.
Step 2: Layer and Bake
- Create alternating layers in the prepared dish: start with a layer of white bread cubes, followed by a layer of 3/4 pound cheddar cheese, and pour some of the egg mixture over the top.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese. Gently press down on the top to help the bread absorb the custard.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve immediately.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: For a richer flavor, you can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight before baking.
Original Recipe Scan
