Strata is warm and cozy. The Ina Garten Strata Recipe makes it very tasty. This dish is simple. It uses easy ingredients. It tastes rich and soft.
Many people love it. You can eat it for breakfast, brunch or dinner. I like it because you can change the flavors easily.
In this blog, I will show every step in easy words. I will also share tips and mistakes to avoid. You will learn how to make Ina Garten Strata. You will also see the ingredients for Ina Garten Strata. This recipe will soon be your family favorite.
My Experience With This Recipe
The first time I made it, I felt happy. The kitchen smelled amazing. I liked how the bread soaked the egg mix. The cheese melted in every bite. I was surprised it was so easy.
It looked fancy but needed little work. My family asked for more. They said it tasted soft and warm. Since then, I make it often for brunch. It never fails. It always makes people smile.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Strata
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 65 mins
- Course: Breakfast or Brunch
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Baking dish
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Oven
- Foil
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Strata
- 6 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup cooked spinach
- 1 cup cooked mushrooms
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep the Bread
Cut the bread into small cubes. Use fresh or day-old bread. Put the cubes in a bowl. - Cook the Veggies
Heat olive oil in a pan. Add spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Cook until soft. - Mix the Egg Base
Crack eggs into a big bowl. Add milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk well. - Add Cheese to Bowl
Add Gruyere and cheddar to the egg mix. Stir gently until cheese spreads. - Combine Everything
Add bread cubes and cooked veggies to the bowl. Mix well so everything is coated. - Prepare the Dish
Grease baking dish with oil. Pour the mix in and spread it evenly. - Rest the Mix
Let the dish sit for 10 minutes. This helps the bread soak the eggs. - Cover and Bake
Cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. - Remove Foil
Take off foil. Bake 15 more minutes until the top is golden and crisp. - Cool and Serve
Let strata cool 10 minutes. Slice carefully and serve warm.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Strata
- Use day-old bread
- Mix cheese well
- Let the mix rest before baking
- Do not skip foil
- Add fresh herbs for flavor
- Use whole milk for richness
- Cut bread evenly
- Do not overbake
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not add too much milk
- Do not use wet veggies
- Do not bake at high heat
- Do not skip resting time
- Do not use very soft bread
Serving Suggestions
Ina Garten Strata is great with many sides. Serve with fresh salad for a light meal. Serve with fruit for breakfast. You can drink hot coffee or tea. Some people enjoy it with soup. A small dollop of sour cream on top adds flavor too.
Variations You Can Try
- Add cooked sausage
- Add cooked bacon
- Use Swiss cheese instead of Gruyere
- Add caramelized onions
- Use roasted peppers
- Add broccoli
- Use sourdough bread
- Add feta cheese
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in a tight box
- Keep in fridge for three days
- Freeze slices for one month
- Reheat in oven for best taste
- Use microwave for quick heating
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbs | 22g |
| Fat | 18g |
Health Benefits
Strata gives protein from eggs and cheese. Bread gives energy. Vegetables give vitamins. It is filling and keeps you full longer. Adding fresh veggies gives fiber too. This makes it a balanced meal any time.
Ina Garten Strata Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread cubes
- 1 cup cooked spinach
- 1 cup cooked mushrooms
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Prep the Bread
- Cut the bread into small cubes. Use fresh or day-old bread. Put the cubes in a bowl.
Cook the Veggies
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Add spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Cook until soft.
Mix the Egg Base
- Crack eggs into a big bowl. Add milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk well.
Add Cheese to Bowl
- Add Gruyere and cheddar to the egg mix. Stir gently until cheese spreads.
Combine Everything
- Add bread cubes and cooked veggies to the bowl. Mix well so everything is coated.
Prepare the Dish
- Grease baking dish with oil. Pour the mix in and spread it evenly.
Rest the Mix
- Let the dish sit for 10 minutes. This helps the bread soak the eggs.
Cover and Bake
- Cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Remove Foil
- Take off foil. Bake 15 more minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
Cool and Serve
- Let strata cool 10 minutes. Slice carefully and serve warm.
Notes
- Use day-old bread
- Mix cheese well
- Let the mix rest before baking
- Do not skip foil
- Add fresh herbs for flavor
- Use whole milk for richness
- Cut bread evenly
- Do not overbake
FAQs about Ina Garten Strata Recipe
1. Can I make this recipe one day early?
Yes. Prepare it a day before. Cover and put in fridge. Bread soaks the eggs and tastes richer.
2. Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes. Make sure the bread is firm. Soft bread may get soggy while baking.
3. What cheese is best?
Gruyere is classic. Cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella work too. Avoid very soft cheese.
4. Can I add meat?
Yes. Cooked sausage or bacon is good. Make sure it is fully cooked and drained.
5. How to stop strata from being soggy?
Use firm bread, dry veggies, and follow bake time. Cool before slicing.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Strata Recipe is warm, simple and tasty. It works for any meal. Now you know how to make Ina Garten Strata.
You also know the ingredients and tips to make it better. Enjoy this dish with your family and make it special.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!