Ina Garten Breakfast Strata Recipe

The Ina Garten Breakfast Strata Recipe is a wonderful choice. This dish is basically a savory bread pudding.

It uses fluffy bread, eggs, and savory cheese. You can even make it the night before.

This makes your morning very easy and relaxed. Learning how to make Ina Garten Breakfast Strata is a fun process.

The bread soaks up all the creamy custard overnight. When you bake it, the top becomes very crunchy.

This Ina Garten Breakfast Strata Recipe will be a family hit. Your guests will love the rich and cheesy flavor.

When I first introduced to Ina Garten Breakfast Strata

I first tried this at a busy holiday brunch. My aunt prepared it a whole day early. On Sunday morning, she just put it in the oven.

The smell of baking eggs and cheese was amazing. It was much better than just regular scrambled eggs.

The bread was soft inside but very crispy on top. It felt like a fancy meal from a hotel. I immediately started making it for my own family.

It is the best way to feed a crowd. You will love how it saves you so much time.

Equipment List

• One large 9×13 inch baking dish.
• A large mixing bowl.
• A medium frying pan.
• A whisk or large fork.
• A sharp kitchen knife.
• Plastic wrap for covering.

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Breakfast Strata

• 1 pound crusty sourdough bread, cubed.
• 8 large extra-large eggs.
• 2 cups whole milk.
• 1 cup heavy cream.
• 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage.
• 2 cups sliced leeks (white parts only).
• 1 tablespoon good olive oil.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep the Bread

Cut your bread into one-inch cubes. Leave them out to get a bit dry.

2. Cook the Sausage

Brown the sausage in a large frying pan. Break it into small crumbles while cooking.

3. Sauté the Leeks

Add olive oil and leeks to the same pan. Cook until they are soft and very tender.

4. Layer the Dish

Grease your baking dish with butter. Place half the bread, sausage, and cheese inside.

5. Add Second Layer

Add the rest of the bread and sausage. Top it with the remaining Gruyere and Parmesan.

6. Make the Custard

Whisk eggs, milk, cream, and salt together. Add the pepper and the fresh parsley.

7. Pour and Soak

Pour the egg mix over the bread layers. Press down so the bread soaks it up.

8. Chill and Bake

Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Breakfast Strata

• Use bread that is at least a day old.
• Let the dish sit for 8 hours before baking.
• Make sure the leeks are washed very well.
• Do not use skim milk for this recipe.
• Check the center with a knife for doneness.
• Cover with foil if the top browns too fast.
• Use a mix of different sharp cheeses.
• Let it rest 10 minutes before you slice it.

FAQs about Ina Garten Breakfast Strata

Can I use different meat?

Yes, crispy bacon or ham works very well. You can also make it vegetarian with mushrooms.

What bread is the best?

Sourdough or a French boule is perfect. They hold their shape and do not get mushy.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in the fridge for three days. Reheat pieces in the oven for the best crunch.

Can I bake it right away?

You can, but the texture is better later. Chilling lets the bread soak up the custard.

Is Gruyere cheese necessary?

It adds a great nutty flavor to the dish. You can use Swiss cheese as a cheaper substitute.

Final Thoughts

The Ina Garten Breakfast Strata Recipe is the ultimate morning meal. It is fancy enough for guests but very simple.

This dish is rich, savory, and very satisfying. You will love the Ingredients for Ina Garten Breakfast Strata.

They are high quality and create a deep flavor. Follow these steps for a stress-free holiday breakfast.

Your family will be so happy when they wake up. It is a classic recipe that never fails. Enjoy your warm and cheesy breakfast today!