Uncomplicated recipes are just the right thing when things have to go fast again. That's why you should definitely try "Strata" - an American bread casserole that only requires a few ingredients and is also perfect for using leftovers. We'll tell you the irresistible recipe!
Strata: Ingredients for 4 servings
350 g baguette (or other white bread)
250 g bacon cubes
5 eggs
500 ml milk
200 g grated cheese
salt, pepper
fat for the mold
herbs of your choice (e.g. chives or parsley)
Preparation time: 60 minutes (+ 30 minutes resting time)
Step by step preparation of Strata
Cut the bread first into slices and then into cubes.
Fry the bacon in a pan until crispy without adding any extra fat.
Beat the eggs with the milk, stir in half of the cheese and add salt and pepper to the mixture.
Grease an ovenproof dish spread the bread and bacon in it and pour the egg-milk over it. Leave to stand in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees, convection oven 160 degrees, gas mark 3.
Sprinkle the bread casserole with the remaining cheese, cover with a sheet of baking paper and bake on the middle shelf for about 25 minutes. Then remove the baking paper and bake for about 15 minutes more, until the top is golden brown and crisp. Sprinkle with herbs to taste before serving.
For more variety on the plate: Strata in different variations
The bread casserole can be easily modified, so you can prepare it according to your taste. It also tastes great with onions, and if you want to go vegetarian, simply replace the bacon with spinach, for example. You can also vary the cheese, for example, try this hearty casserole with Gorgonzola cheese! Instead of bacon cubes, Strata can also be prepared with chorizo, which you cut into slices and fry briefly. As you can see, there are no limits to your imagination!
In the U.S., by the way, Strata is often served as a breakfast casserole - perhaps you know it from the movie "Stone Family" with Sarah Jessica Parker. The casserole is a great way to use up stale bread: since the bread cubes sit in the egg-milk for a while, it doesn't matter if the bread is from the day before and already a bit harder. Browse through our bread salad recipes for even more inspiration