Name: Spinach Mozzarella Strata: Brunch Perfection
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 9 h 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1.5 cups finely chopped yellow onion; 3 pinches herbes de Provence, or to taste; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly drained; Butter-flavored cooking spray; 8 cups cubed Italian bread, preferably a day old; 1 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, or more to taste; 9 large eggs; 1 cup skim milk

Wake up to a symphony of flavors with this make-ahead strata. Layers of savory spinach, creamy mozzarella, and crusty Italian bread are bound together by a rich custard, creating a breakfast or brunch centerpiece that's both elegant and satisfying.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper; continue to cook for 1 minute more, allowing the herbs to release their fragrance. Stir in the drained spinach, remove from heat, and set aside to cool slightly. (Total time: ~7 minutes)

02

Step

Generously spray the inside of a 3-quart (9x13-inch) baking dish with butter-flavored cooking spray. This will ensure the strata releases easily after baking.

03

Step

Layer the bottom of the prepared dish with 1/3 of the cubed Italian bread. Top with 1/3 of the spinach mixture and 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers twice more with the remaining bread, spinach mixture, and cheese, creating a beautiful and even distribution of flavors and textures.

04

Step

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until thoroughly blended and slightly frothy. This ensures a light and airy custard.

05

Step

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered bread and spinach in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure it's fully submerged in the custard. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or up to 1 day. This allows the bread to soak up the custard and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

06

Step

Remove the strata from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature. This will help it bake more evenly.

07

Step

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

08

Step

Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until the strata is puffed, golden brown, and cooked through. This should take approximately 45 to 55 minutes. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

09

Step

Let the baked strata stand for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly and makes it easier to cut into neat squares. (Total time: ~5 minutes)

For a richer flavor, use whole milk or half-and-half instead of skim milk.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Parmesan, or provolone.
Add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
If you don't have herbes de Provence, use a blend of dried thyme, rosemary, and savory.
To prevent the top from browning too quickly, tent the strata with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
This strata can be served warm or at room temperature.