The easygoing, savory, make-ahead way to feed a crowd: Stratas (2024)

FAQs

Can you make a strata 2 days ahead? ›

Fresh from the oven, this strata top has crispy, crunchy bits while the middle is warm, soft, and custard-like, providing a fantastic texture. Pro-Tip: The strata can be prepared and baked up to two days in advance and reheated the morning of.

What's the difference between strata and casserole? Stratas are essentially breakfast casseroles made of eggs and bread. Stratas are often prepared the night before they are baked and served in oven-safe casserole dishes, similar to casseroles.

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.

Bake until the center of the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 160 °F as tested with a food thermometer. After baking, any leftovers must be refrigerated within two hours and can be kept three to four days in the refrigerator or frozen for about three months.

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.

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

In addition to strata housing or residential strata, there are also commercial, industrial and mixed use strata developments (e.g. restaurants, retail space, hotels, parking lots, offices, stables, marinas, etc).

A quiche is baked in a flaky pie crust-style pastry shell. An egg custard prepared without this crust is also known as a frittata. A strata, on the other hand, is an egg custard that's baked with layers of bread inside.

United States

Strata / Origin

ˈstra- plural stratas also strata. : a dish that is made up of layers of bread, cheese, and meat or vegetables over which a mixture of eggs and milk is poured and that is usually refrigerated before it is baked. a ham and cheese strata.

How long is strata good for? ›

For the best flavor and texture, the strata should be enjoyed within three days. Wrap the pan well and store it in the fridge. Slices can be gently reheated in a 350°F oven or in the microwave.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until heated through. Cover dish with foil while reheating in oven. By the way – once it's fully baked, you can eat pieces cold too – so good!

Strata is a family of layered casserole dishes in American cuisine. The most common modern variant is a brunch dish, made from a mixture which mainly consists of bread, eggs and cheese. It may also include meat or vegetables.

You can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

If you've got raw egg yolks or whites left over from a recipe which you don't want to waste (let's face it, why would you?), you can store them in the fridge as long as you plan to use them within the next few days.