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
Scale
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.
