If you’re looking for the best make-ahead breakfast casserole, Breakfast Strata Recipe Ina Garten is a must-try. This cheesy, egg-based dish is perfect for brunch, holiday mornings, or meal prep. Made with layers of toasted bread, eggs, milk, cheese, and flavorful ingredients like bacon, sausage, or fresh vegetables, this dish is a Barefoot Contessa classic.
A breakfast strata is similar to a savory bread pudding, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully as it sits overnight. If you love easy, crowd-pleasing breakfasts, this Ina Garten breakfast casserole should definitely be on your menu. To discover more delicious baked breakfast ideas, check out these 17 Breakfast Recipes to Make in Your 9×13 Baking Dish.
One of Ina Garten’s best breakfast recipes, this overnight strata is great for weekend brunches, special occasions, or feeding a crowd. If you enjoy her classic morning dishes, you can find more inspiration at Ina Garten’s Breakfast Recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Ina Garten Breakfast Strata Recipe
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Customizable Ingredients – Use different cheeses, meats, or vegetables to suit your taste.
- Feeds a Crowd – A 9×13 casserole serves multiple people with minimal effort.
- Perfect Texture – The bread absorbs the egg mixture, making it light yet satisfying.
Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Breakfast Strata Recipe
Essential Ingredients for This Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole
- 1 loaf sourdough or French bread, cut into cubes
- 1 lb breakfast sausage or bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup fresh spinach (or other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers)
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer texture)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
How to Make Ina Garten’s Breakfast Strata
1: Prepare the Bread Base for the Breakfast Strata
- Slice the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet.
- Toast lightly in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to improve texture.
2: Cook the Meat and Vegetables for This Easy Strata Recipe
- In a skillet, cook the sausage (or bacon) over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté spinach (or other vegetables) until softened.
3: Whisk the Egg Mixture for the Cheesy Breakfast Strata
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheese for an even flavor distribution.
4: Assemble the Breakfast Strata Layers
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the toasted bread cubes, followed by cooked sausage and vegetables.
- Pour half of the egg mixture over the layers.
- Repeat with the remaining bread, sausage, and vegetables.
- Top with the rest of the egg mixture and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
5: Refrigerate Overnight for the Perfect Breakfast Strata Texture
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to blend and the bread to absorb the egg mixture.
6: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the eggs are fully set.
- Let the strata rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions for This Ina Garten-Inspired Breakfast Strata
Pair your Ina Garten breakfast casserole with:
- Fresh fruit salad (adds a refreshing contrast)
- Mixed greens with vinaigrette (balances the richness of the strata)
- A side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
- A drizzle of hot sauce or salsa (if you like extra spice!)
For more brunch-worthy baked dishes, check out Our 22 Best Recipes to Bake for Your Next Brunch.
Tips for the Best Breakfast Strata Recipe by Ina Garten
- Use Stale or Toasted Bread – Fresh bread will turn soggy; using day-old or lightly toasted bread improves the texture.
- Let It Rest Overnight – The longer the bread soaks, the better the flavors blend.
- Don’t Overbake – Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center. It should come out clean but slightly moist.
- Customize with Cheese – Try Gruyère, Swiss, sharp cheddar, or feta for different flavor profiles.
Variations of This Easy Breakfast Strata Recipe
- Vegetarian Breakfast Strata: Replace meat with mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Gluten-Free Strata Recipe: Use gluten-free bread or omit bread and use more vegetables.
- Spicy Strata: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Mediterranean Strata Recipe: Use feta cheese, olives, and oregano for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fats: 18g
For a lighter version, use low-fat milk, lean turkey sausage, and reduce cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ina Garten’s Breakfast Strata Recipe
Q: What is the origin of breakfast strata?
A strata is an American dish dating back to the 19th century, similar to a savory bread pudding.
Q: Can I prepare the strata the night before?
Absolutely! Overnight soaking enhances the texture and flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the strata from becoming soggy?
- Use stale bread.
- Ensure the egg mixture is evenly distributed.
- Avoid over-soaking (6-12 hours is best).
Q: How long can leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze a breakfast strata?
Yes! Freeze before or after baking. If freezing before baking, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Final Thoughts on This Barefoot Contessa Breakfast Strata Recipe
Ina Garten’s breakfast strata is a brunch staple that’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a comforting breakfast, this savory baked casserole is a must-try.