Ina Garten’s Cheesy Breakfast Strata

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breakfast Strata, a beloved brunch classic, offers a canvas for culinary creativity. This dish, with its comforting layers of bread, cheese, and custard, is a testament to the versatility of simple ingredients. Today, we’ll elevate this timeless recipe, infusing it with flavors from around the world, creating a symphony of taste that will awaken your senses.

Ingredients:

Base:

  • 1 loaf of crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

    • Custard:

  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

    • Global Infusion:

  • 1/2 cup diced chorizo (Spanish influence)
  • 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (Mediterranean influence)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach (Asian influence)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (Asian influence)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Latin American influence)

    • Preparation:

    1. Prep the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, Gruyère, Parmesan, herbs, salt, and pepper.
    2. Create the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, melted butter, vanilla, and nutmeg.
    3. Assemble the Strata: Layer half of the bread mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with the chorizo, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Pour half of the custard mixture over the layers. Repeat with the remaining bread mixture and custard.
    4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the custard is set and golden brown.

    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

    Serving Suggestions:

    Asian Fusion: Serve with a side of stir-fried vegetables and a drizzle of soy sauce.

  • Mediterranean Delight: Pair with a Greek yogurt parfait and a sprinkle of fresh mint.
  • Latin American Fiesta: Accompany with a side of avocado toast and a spicy salsa.

    • This Strata Serenade is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a culinary journey that celebrates the diversity of global flavors. By blending the comforting familiarity of a classic recipe with bold, international ingredients, we’ve created a dish that is both indulgent and inspiring. As you savor each bite, may you feel the warmth of different cultures and the joy of culinary exploration.