If you have a loaf of bread that's become dry and slightly stale, don't discard it. Instead, turn it into an egg strata, an impressive, protein-rich breakfast dish. Egg strata is economical, too, as it requires only a few basic ingredients. Prepare the dish the evening before and bake it in the morning. For a complete breakfast, pair your egg strata with yogurt, coffee and fresh fruit or freshly squeezed orange juice.
Step 1
Soften a small amount of butter, then spread the butter evenly on the slices of bread. Cut the bread slices into small cubes.
Step 2
Saute the pork sausage in a heavy skillet. If fat and calories are a concern, use turkey sausage. For a vegetarian dish, omit the sausage.
Step 3
Coat a casserole dish with cooking oil or spray the pan lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 4
Place 1/3 of the bread cubes in the casserole dish. Cover the bread with 1/3 of the sausage, then finish with 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat the layers two more times.
Step 5
Crack six large, fresh eggs into a mixing bowl. Add 3 cups of milk. Use whole milk or lower the calories in your dish by using reduced-fat or skim milk.
Step 6
Beat the eggs and milk together, then blend in the pepper, paprika, salt and dry mustard. If you like, add a few drops of Worcestershire sauce.
Step 7
Pour the mixture carefully over the ingredients in the casserole dish.
Step 8
Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap. Place the strata in the refrigerator and allow it to set overnight.
Step 9
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 10
Place the casserole dish in a larger baking pan with 1 to 2 inches of hot water. Bake the strata for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it is puffy and golden brown.
Step 11
Allow the strata to stand for about 10 minutes, then serve it hot.
Things You'll Need
- 3 tbsp. softened butter
- 6 slices slightly stale bread
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 lb. pork sausage
- Heavy skillet
- Casserole dish
- Cooking oil or nonstick cooking spray
- 6 large eggs
- Mixing bowl
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. dry mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
Member Comments