Healthy Recipes Ingredients Eggs Bacon, Cheddar & Spinach Strata 5.0 (2) 2 Reviews This protein-packed breakfast casserole is the perfect recipe for when you have a crowd to feed. The egg mixture needs plenty of time to soak into the bread before baking, so you can prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning. Whole-wheat sourdough offers a tangy flavor and a boost of fiber, but you can swap it out for regular sourdough or a plain whole-wheat country loaf. By Anna Theoktisto Anna Theoktisto Anna Theoktisto is a recipe tester and developer who's been working in Dotdash Meredith test kitchens since 2017. Her recipes and writing have appeared in more than 10 nationally distributed print publications, as well as on various digital platforms. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Published on March 19, 2024 Tested by Amanda Stanfield Tested by Amanda Stanfield Amanda Stanfield is a Test Kitchen assistant in the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. She completed her undergraduate degree in journalism and strategic communications at Hampton University. After graduation, Amanda worked in the nonprofit sector as a marketing associate for a global nonprofit organization. In 2018, she pivoted into the food industry and began training in fine-dining restaurants around Atlanta. Later she gained her culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University and went on to work in a variety of kitchens from boutique restaurants to conference hotels. As a true foodie, Amanda seeks out nutritious and unique flavors to inspire others to eat happily and healthfully. When she's not cooking up delicious recipes, you can find her lap swimming in the pool or watching a good sci-fi movie. Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Rate PRINT Share Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Active Time: 20 mins Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins Servings: 8 Nutrition Profile: Sesame-Free Nut-Free Soy-Free Nutrition Notes Are Eggs Good for You? While eggs used to be considered unhealthy, especially for those with heart disease, we now know that they can be enjoyed in moderation by most people. Dietary cholesterol has minimal impact on the amount of cholesterol in our blood. And the saturated fat in eggs probably isn’t as unhealthy as other forms of saturated fats. Eggs provide a wealth of nutrients, including complete protein, vitamin B12 and choline. Egg yolk also provides the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which contribute to healthy vision. Is Cheese Healthy? Like eggs, cheese has also had a bad reputation regarding its fat content. And, also like eggs, the type of saturated fat in cheese is probably not as unhealthy as other types. Cheese provides protein, calcium and other micronutrients. It even contributes gut-healthy probiotics. Some types of cheese can be high in sodium, so choose lower-sodium varieties when possible. Tips from the Test Kitchen What Is the Difference Between a Breakfast Casserole and a Strata? A strata is a type of breakfast casserole that’s essentially a savory bread pudding. It’s often assembled the night before, so the egg and milk get a chance to soak into the bread before it’s baked the following morning. The result looks almost like a soufflé, so be prepared for it to rise while baking and perhaps deflate a little when it’s out of the oven. What Is the Difference Between Center-Cut Bacon and Regular? Center-cut bacon comes packaged with the fatty ends removed, whereas regular bacon still has them. Center-cut bacon is typically priced the same as regular bacon, so it’s up to your preference. Find center-cut bacon alongside regular bacon in the refrigerator aisle of your supermarket. Frequently Asked Questions Can I Make This Strata Ahead of Time? Absolutely. Assemble the strata the night before and keep it in the refrigerator. This will allow the bread to soak up the eggs and other flavorful ingredients. All you have to do is pop it in the oven the following day, making breakfast a cinch. If you have any leftovers, they’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days. You can also freeze cooked strata whole or sliced into manageable portions in freezer-safe bags for about three months. Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Ingredients 3 slices center-cut bacon, chopped (about 1/3 cup) 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion 5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 8 ounces crusty whole-wheat sourdough bread, cubed (1-inch; about 4 cups) 3/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided 1 1/2 cups half-and-half 5 large eggs 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon salt Directions Coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pan. Add onion to the drippings in the pan; cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in spinach. Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Layer half the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the spinach mixture and 1/4 cup cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining bread, spinach mixture and 1/2 cup cheese. Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Whisk half-and-half, eggs, mustard, pepper, nutmeg and salt together in a large bowl. Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture; top with the reserved bacon. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours. Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster Remove the strata from the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the strata, uncovered, until puffed and golden brown all over, 40 to 45 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster To make ahead Prepare through Step 4 and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Nutrition Information Serving Size: about 1 cupCalories 249, Fat 13g, Saturated Fat 7g, Cholesterol 146mg, Carbohydrates 19g, Total Sugars 5g, Added Sugars 0g, Protein 13g, Fiber 3g, Sodium 455mg, Potassium 282mg EatingWell.com, March 2024 Rate It Print