Vegetable & Gruyere Strata Recipe

Vegetable Gruyere Strata

The Cozy, Make-Ahead Brunch Bake You Didn’t Know You Needed

There are some dishes that feel like a warm hug, and a strata is definitely one of them. If you’ve never made one before, think of a strata as a cross between a breakfast casserole, savory bread pudding, and the easiest crowd-pleaser ever invented.

The name comes from the word stratum, meaning layers - because at its heart, a strata is simply layers of bread, vegetables, cheese, and custard baked into bubbly, golden perfection.

Stratas became especially popular in the U.S. in the 1950s and 60s, often appearing at brunches, holiday mornings, and neighborhood potlucks.

Why?

Because they feed a crowd, they’re nearly impossible to mess up, and you can assemble the whole thing ahead of time. That’s right - do the prep at night, pop it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready. Dreams do come true.

Plus, they're delicious! The bread gets crispy on top and soft in the center, the roasted veggies add color and sweetness, and the Gruyere melts into every bite. A drizzle of Big Horn Extra Virgin Olive Oil ties it all together with warm, savory goodness.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp Big Horn UP, Garlic, Tuscan Herb, or Herbs de Provence Olive Oil
• 2 medium shallots minced
• 6 cups (approx. 1/2 loaf) day old Italian loaf bread cubed
• 1 cup trimmed asparagus spears
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 5 eggs
• 1 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1/4 tsp each, dried dill and thyme
• 1/8 tsp each, dried garlic and onions powders
• salt and pepper to taste\

Instructions:

Act 1: A Fluffy Foundation

Lightly drizzle your favorite Big Horn Olive Oil into a baking dish.

Arrange your bread cubes in an even layer - this is the soft, cozy base that will soak up all the custard goodness later.

Act 2: Build the Veggie Playground

Sauté your vegetables in a skillet with a splash of Big Horn EVOO until tender and fragrant.

Spread them over the bread so every bite gets colorful veggie love.

Act 3: Mix Some Magic

Whisk together eggs, milk, and seasoning until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and veggies.

Sprinkle that gorgeous Gruyere on top. (This is the moment when your kitchen already starts smelling amazing - and nothing is even baking yet.)

Act 4: Let it Rest (Yes, really for that long!)

Cover your dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you want a no-stress morning.

This helps the bread soak up all the custard for that perfect fluffy texture.

Act 5: Bake 'Till Glorious & Bubbly

Pop your strata into the oven and bake until golden on top and set in the center. Serve warm with an extra drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs if you're feeling fancy.

Enjoy!