There is nothing quite like waking up to a warm, comforting casserole that brings the whole family together, and that is exactly what you get with Dad’s Day Strata Recipe. This hearty and flavorful dish features a delightful mix of tender broccoli, savory shredded protein, and a rich custard made with eggs and cream, all baked snugly with bread cubes and melted pepper jack cheese. Perfect for weekend breakfasts or brunches, this strata combines fresh veggies, aromatic herbs, and gooey cheese to create a dish that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Once you try Dad’s Day Strata Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Dad’s Day Strata Recipe comes from its straightforward but essential ingredients. Each component adds its own personality to the dish, whether it’s the crunch and freshness of broccoli, the comforting texture of whole wheat bread, or the creamy richness of the custard mixture.
- Broccoli florets (½ cup): Lightly steamed for tender crunch and vibrant green color that brightens the casserole.
- Whole wheat bread, cubed (3 slices): Acts as the hearty base, soaking up the egg custard and flavors while adding wholesome texture.
- Diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano (1 can, drained): Infuses the strata with savory herbal notes and a touch of juiciness.
- Deli-style protein, shredded (8 slices): Brings a satisfying meaty texture and smoky flavor to the mixture.
- Pepper jack cheese, shredded (¼ cup): Provides a gentle kick and a creamy melt that ties everything together.
- Eggs (4): The heart of the custard, giving structure and richness to the strata.
- Heavy whipping cream (¼ cup): Makes the custard velvety and luxurious in every bite.
- Garlic powder (1½ teaspoons): Adds a warm, aromatic depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to awaken and balance all the flavors in the dish.
How to Make Dad’s Day Strata Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9-inch square casserole dish. This ensures your strata will bake evenly and release easily, setting the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Fill a saucepan with water just below a steamer insert and bring it to a boil. Add your broccoli florets, cover, and steam until tender, about 2 to 4 minutes. This keeps the broccoli vibrant and just soft enough to blend beautifully with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the steamed broccoli, cubed whole wheat bread, drained diced tomatoes with herbs, shredded deli-style protein, and shredded pepper jack cheese. This mixture builds layers of color, texture, and flavor that make the strata so irresistible.
Step 4: Make the Egg Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. This rich custard binds all the ingredients while adding a creamy, silky texture to every bite.
Step 5: Combine and Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the custard into the large bowl with the broccoli mixture and stir everything together gently but thoroughly. Then, spread the mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish, making sure it’s well distributed for consistent cooking.
Step 6: Bake the Strata
Bake the casserole for about 35 minutes or until the eggs are fully set and the top is lightly golden. This step transforms the ingredients into a unified dish with a perfect balance of moisture and structure.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the Dad’s Day Strata Recipe cool for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the strata to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut and even more enjoyable to eat.
How to Serve Dad’s Day Strata Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top can add a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the cheesy, savory elements of the strata wonderfully. A light dusting of paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce also brings an exciting pop to each serving.
Side Dishes
This strata pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad for a sweet contrast, or a crisp green side salad to bring brightness to the meal. For a heartier brunch, roasted potatoes or crispy bacon sides make fantastic companions that round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices of strata on colorful plates to emphasize the vibrant greens and reds inside. Individual ramekins baked in the same way can make charming personal servings, perfect for impressing guests or making the breakfast feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Dad’s Day Strata Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover it tightly to preserve its moisture and flavor, and enjoy reheated portions that taste nearly as fresh as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover strata by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or by placing portions in freezer-safe containers. It will maintain the best quality for up to 2 months, giving you a convenient, ready-made meal for busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. Microwaving works too but can make the texture a bit softer, so the oven method is preferred for the best taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! While broccoli adds a lovely pop of color and mild flavor, other veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms work beautifully. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to avoid excess moisture.
What type of deli protein is best?
Feel free to use turkey, ham, chicken, or even a vegetarian alternative like smoked tofu. The key is to have it shredded or chopped small enough to blend well within the strata.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the whole wheat bread with your favorite gluten-free bread. Make sure it’s sturdy enough to stand up to soaking in the custard without falling apart.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This strata reheats wonderfully, making it a fantastic option for prepping breakfasts or brunches ahead of time. Just store it properly and reheat as needed.
Can I add more cheese?
You can never have too much cheese! Feel free to increase the pepper jack or add other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for extra gooeyness and flavor complexity.
Final Thoughts
Dad’s Day Strata Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for celebrating special mornings or just making any day feel a little brighter. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll find it wonderfully simple to prepare and delightfully satisfying to eat. Your taste buds (and your dad) will thank you!
Print
Dad’s Day Strata Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Dad’s Day Strata is a hearty and flavorful baked breakfast casserole featuring steamed broccoli, whole wheat bread cubes, savory deli-style protein, and pepper jack cheese, all bound together with a creamy, seasoned egg mixture. This comforting dish is perfect for a family brunch or special occasion breakfast, offering a balanced combination of vegetables, protein, and dairy.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- ½ cup broccoli florets
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, drained
Bread and Protein
- 3 slices whole wheat bread, cubed
- 8 slices deli-style protein, shredded
Dairy
- ¼ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Seasonings
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square casserole dish well to prevent sticking during baking.
- Steam Broccoli: Fill a saucepan with water just below the level of a steamer insert and bring it to a boil. Add the broccoli florets to the steamer basket, cover the saucepan, and steam the broccoli for about 2 to 4 minutes until tender but still vibrant in color.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the steamed broccoli, cubed whole wheat bread, drained diced tomatoes with herbs, shredded deli-style protein, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Mix these ingredients to combine evenly.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper until smoothly blended. This will act as the binding custard for the strata.
- Mix and Assemble: Pour the beaten egg mixture into the large bowl with the broccoli and other ingredients. Stir thoroughly to ensure that all components are evenly coated by the egg mixture.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes or until the eggs are completely set in the center and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the strata from the oven and allow it to cool for 3 to 5 minutes to firm up before slicing. Serve warm as a filling breakfast or brunch option.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes well to avoid excess moisture in the strata.
- You can substitute deli-style protein with cooked sausage, bacon, or a vegetarian protein option.
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- This recipe can be prepared the night before; assemble in the casserole dish and refrigerate overnight before baking.
