Cheese Strata Recipe
Try this cheese strata recipe that can be made ahead for New Year’s Day brunch.
When I lived in Saint Louis, my husband and I would spend the night with friends for New Year’s Eve. We would go out to dinner, make lots of tasty appetizers and beverages then for New Year’s we would make brunch to eat before going our separate ways. It was a really fun tradition that you can do whether you have guests, or it is just you!
Making brunch ahead of time can give you more time with your guests.
This menu makes a great brunch for a variety of celebrations!
Make-ahead New Year’s Day Brunch Menu
Egg and Cheese Strata with Spinach
Pear and Cranberry Compote
Bloody Marys or Non-Alcohol Marias
Cheese Strata Recipe
Egg and Cheese Strata
I love the thought of making this the day before and just popping in the oven! It makes 4-6 servings without doubling.Many greens can be a local food this time of year!
- Butter,or Earth Balance margarine for greasing the baking dish
- 4 thick slices hearty whole-wheat/wholemeal or multigrain artisan bread {I used some wholegrain bread that my husband made)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz grated Fontina cheese or locally made cheese {about 1 cup}
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sauteed greens
- 1/2 cup of caramelized onions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a small 4-cup ovenproof baking dish. Remove the crusts from the bread if desired and cut into slices; This should make about 3 cups.
Lay the slices on the bottom of the baking dish, they can slightly overlap and some edges to hang over the side of the pan. Whisk together the eggs and milk in a large bowl. Add half of the cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Pour three-fourths of the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Add sauteed greens and caramelized onions. Pour the remaining egg mixture over the top and finish with the remaining cheese. At this point, you can bake the strata immediately, or you can save to make later by covering with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to have ready for your new year’s brunch!
Bake the strata until just set, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve in the baking dish. Double this recipe easily for a large crowd, and watch it disappear at every New Year’s Brunch or potluck. Bake for 1 hour in a 9-by-13-inch pan. You can double the recipe if you have additional guests coming.
Pear and Cranberry Compote
It may be difficult to find local pears but you can substitute local apples for them in this recipes. I love this cranberry relish and it makes a great side dish to serve with the breakfast strata. The other great thing about it is that you can make it a day or two before so you will have more time to celebrate!
http://www.vineripenutrition.com/holiday-survival-thanksgiving-recipe-menu-ideas/
Bloody Marys or Non-alcohol Maria
This drink is rich in nutrients from the tomato or vegetable juice. With this beverage, the garnishes add to the fun! You will also not miss the alcohol in these with all the added flavor!
- 3/4 cup tomato juice or vegetable juice
- Dash of Tabasco sauce or other hot sauce like Smoking J’s
- 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- Drop of fresh lemon juice
- Sprinkle of celery seed
- Garnish ideas: Sliced lemons, olives, local sausage and/or cooked shrimp
