Cheesy Breakfast Strata Roast Tomatoes (Print View)
Comforting layers of crusty bread, melted cheese, and eggs topped with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes for a satisfying morning meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Bread and Dairy
01 - 8 cups day-old crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
04 - 6 large eggs
05 - 2 cups whole milk
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
→ Vegetables
07 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
09 - 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
→ Flavorings & Seasonings
10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
12 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
13 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, chopped
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet, cut side up, and roast for 15 minutes until softened and caramelized. Set aside.
03 - Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
04 - Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
05 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
06 - Add bread cubes to the bowl and toss gently to coat. Stir in sautéed onion and spinach, cheddar, and Gruyère.
07 - Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Arrange roasted cherry tomatoes evenly over the top.
08 - Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
09 - Remove foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes, until golden and set. Let cool for 10 minutes, sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley, and serve warm.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It transforms ordinary leftover bread into something extraordinary and restaurant worthy
- The make ahead nature means you can actually enjoy your own brunch party
- Those roasted cherry tomatoes on top become little bursts of sweet brightness
02 -
- Soggy strata happens when vegetables are too wet or bread is too fresh, so squeeze excess moisture from spinach and use day old bread
- The overnight rest in the refrigerator is not required but makes the texture infinitely better, so plan ahead when possible
03 -
- Cut your bread into slightly larger cubes than you think you need, about one inch, so they maintain texture during baking
- Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded, which contains anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting