Overnight Egg Strata Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Do you have to refrigerate strata overnight? ›

Does a strata have to sit overnight? No – this is a quick dish that can be made the morning of serving it. However, I do recommend letting it sit in the fridge overnight before eating. The flavors mend nicely and the egg has time to soak into the croutons.

MAKE AHEAD: Strata improves when there is plenty of time for the bread to soak up the custard. Make this up to 12 hours ahead of baking. The strata will emerge from the oven puffed and gorgeous, then deflate. It can be served piping hot or at room temperature.

(Just don't skip the sautéing. It's crucial because it cooks out excess liquid, which prevents the strata from becoming soggy.)

The casserole is covered and refrigerated overnight to allow the liquid ingredients to be absorbed into the bread. This is a perishable mixture and should be cooked the morning or day after assembly. Bake in an oven set no lower than 325 °F. Most recipes suggest 350 °F.

Many stratas call for assembling the strata and allowing it to sit overnight, refrigerated, so the bread soaks up the egg mixture. (The overnight soak is what makes this an ideal make-ahead dish.)

Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, up to 24. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Bake strata for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until golden, puffed, and set in the center.

Assemble your Strata, and Let it Sit

If you're not going to bake it right away (and you crisped up your bread pieces in the oven), cover it with foil and store it in the fridge overnight, then let it sit on the counter at least half an hour before baking so it's not so chilled.

Pro-Tip: The strata can be prepared and baked up to two days in advance and reheated the morning of. To reheat the Make Ahead Breakfast Strata, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature while the oven preheats to 375 F.

Never leave cooked eggs or egg dishes out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours or for more than 1 hour when temperatures are above 90° F. Bacteria that can cause illness grow quickly at warm temperatures (between 40° F and 140° F).

This Strata Recipe makes a marvelous leftover meal! Once baked, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also wrap and freeze this overnight breakfast casserole for up to 3 months. Then thaw and reheat.

What is the difference between a frittata and a strata? ›

A frittata is similar to a quiche without the crust, and is often described as a thick omelette packed with ingredients like vegetables, cheese or ham. A strata is a breakfast casserole made with eggs and bread and is often described as an easy-to-make, savoury bread pudding.

Cook or bake until a thermometer inserted at the center shows 160° F or a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. You may find it difficult to tell if a knife shows uncooked egg or melted cheese in some casseroles and other combination dishes that are thick or heavy and contain cheese – lasagna, for example.

Unfortunately as the strata contains what is effectively a savoury egg custard it does not freeze well either before or after baking. However you could probably assemble it up to 48 hours before it is needed, if this helps with your planning a little.

Whisk the eggs, salt, pepper, milk, and cheese together. Evenly pour over sausage/vegetable mixture. Add another sprinkle of salt and pepper on top. Cover casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.

Can You Make Egg Casserole Ahead of Time? This easy egg casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast. Simply combine the ingredients the night before and place the mixture in a prepared baking dish, then cover it tightly with storage wrap or foil. In the morning, bake the casserole according to the recipe.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food and safety basics states cooked food can be left at room temperature up to two hours. If the temperature outside (or inside your house) is 90°F or above, you should cut that time in half.

Success Tip: Refrigerate Overnight

During this time, the flavors mingle together and the bread has a chance to soak up some of the liquid and flavor. Wake up and all you have to do is slide it into the oven. If you're in a rush, I do recommend at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before baking, if you can spare it!

Pro-Tip: The strata can be prepared and baked up to two days in advance and reheated the morning of. To reheat the Make Ahead Breakfast Strata, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature while the oven preheats to 375 F.