An excellent way to feed a large-ish group brunch, with most of the work done the day before! Always a good thing in my opinion! You could serve the strata with oven roasted potatoes and/or sausage patties or sausages, for a hearty brunch; on the lighter side it would be nice to begin with some fruit, followed by the strata.
Makes 8 Servings
1 ½ cups finely chopped onion
1 cup finely chopped green onions
¾ lb. mushrooms, sliced thin
3 Tbsp. EVO
2 red bell peppers, cut into thin strips
2 green bell peppers, cut into thin strips
Italian bread cut into 1” cubes to measure 9 cups (about 1 ½ loaves)
2 ½ cups coarsely grated extra sharp Cheddar cheese, such as an English or Canadian Cheddar
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
12 large eggs
3 ½ cups milk (not low fat)
3 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
Tabasco to taste
Heat the EVO in a large skillet over moderately low heat, and sauté the onion, green onions and mushrooms until the onion is softened, add the bell peppers, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the mixture over moderate heat, stirring, for 10 – 15 minutes or until all the liquid the mushrooms have given off evaporates and the peppers are tender. Arrange half the bread cubes in a buttered large shallow (4 ½ quart) baking dish, spread half the vegetable mixture over top, then sprinkle with half the Cheddar and Parmigano cheese. Arrange half the bread cubes in a buttered large shallow (4 ½ quart) baking dish; spread half the vegetable mixture over top; sprinkle with half the cheddar and Parmigano cheese. Arrange the remaining bread cubes over the top, top with the remaining veggies, then sprinkle the remaining cheeses over top.
In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon, Tabasco; season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture over the bread and vegetable layers and chill, covered, overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Remove the strata from the fridge and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Place in the oven and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the strata is puffed, golden and cooked through. You can test to see if the strata is done by inserting a thin bladed knife into the centre. If it comes out clean, it’s done. Let the strata stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Helpful link to Rosemary Roasted Potatoes.
