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Fluffy Spinach and Mushroom Strata

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A cozy and fluffy brunch casserole featuring sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a creamy custard baked with bread cubes and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for weekend gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups day-old bread cubes (preferably sourdough or French bread, crusts on for texture)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or thawed and squeezed frozen spinach)
  • 1 ½ cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button mushrooms)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk or 2%; almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut day-old bread into roughly 1-inch cubes and spread evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté sliced mushrooms until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add spinach last 1-2 minutes until wilted. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cottage cheese, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth. Optionally pulse cottage cheese in a food processor before mixing for extra smoothness.
  4. Evenly distribute sautéed spinach and mushrooms over the bread cubes. Pour custard mixture over the top, pressing gently to help soak the bread. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove strata from fridge, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean.
  6. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess. Sauté mushrooms and spinach well to reduce moisture. Let strata soak overnight for best flavor and texture. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Can substitute bread types and dairy alternatives for gluten-free or vegan versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: strata, brunch, spinach, mushroom, casserole, easy brunch recipe, savory breakfast, vegetarian

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/fluffy-spinach-and-mushroom-strata-recipe-easy-cozy-brunch-idea/